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Tools - Math 'Plausible Estimation' Estimates for the USA Tasks, Set #4



Estimates for a Million, Set #1 (solutions)
Estimating for Amazing Facts: Set #2 (solutions) || Set #3 (solutions)
Estimates for the USA, Set #4 (solutions)

Malcolm Swan
Mathematics Education
University of Nottingham
Malcolm.Swan@nottingham.ac.uk

Jim Ridgway
School of Education
University of Durham
Jim.Ridgway@durham.ac.uk


The aim of this assessment is to provide the opportunity for you to:
  • develop a chain of reasoning that will enable you to make reasonable estimates of facts about the USA from population data
  • communicate the assumptions upon which your estimate is based.



Try to estimate reasonable answers to each of the following questions.

Describe carefully at each stage any assumptions you make.

Show, step by step how you arrive at your estimate.

Each estimate should use the following fact:

    The population of the USA is approximately 270 million.

  1. Babies
    How many babies are born in the USA in each minute? Picture of a baby bottle.


    Assumptions
    • The population of the USA is approximately 270 million.






    Reasoning













  2. Teachers
    How many K-8 Elementary School teachers are there in the USA? Picture of students in class and one of them is raising their hand to ask a question.


    Assumptions
    • The population of the USA is approximately 270 million.






    Reasoning













  3. Newspapers
    How much is spent on newspapers in the USA each year?

    Picture of a newspaper boy on his bike.


    Assumptions
    • The population of the USA is approximately 270 million.






    Reasoning













  4. Cars
    How many cars are bought each year in the USA? Picture of a car.


    Assumptions
    • The population of the USA is approximately 270 million.






    Reasoning













  5. Dentists
    How many dentists are there in the USA?

    Picture of a dentist with a mask over his face.


    Assumptions
    • The population of the USA is approximately 270 million.






    Reasoning













Estimates for a Million, Set #1 (solutions)
Estimating for Amazing Facts: Set #2 (solutions) || Set #3 (solutions)
Estimates for the USA, Set #4 (solutions)


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