estimate the difference between 206 and 167
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The estimated difference between 206 and 167 is 40.
300-Word Explanation:
When estimating a difference between two numbers, the goal is to find a number close to the actual result that is quick and easy to calculate. Estimation is useful in everyday situations where an exact number is not necessary, or to double-check a calculated answer.
Let’s look at the original subtraction:
206 − 167
To estimate, we can round the numbers to the nearest ten or a convenient number. In this case:
- 206 rounds to 210
- 167 rounds to 170
Now subtract the rounded numbers:
210 − 170 = 40
So, the estimated difference is 40.
Now let’s check the exact value to see how close the estimate is:
206 − 167 = 39
The actual difference is 39, and our estimate was 40 — very close. This shows how effective estimation can be for quick mental math.
Why Estimation Matters:
Estimation helps in situations where:
- You need a fast calculation (like while shopping or budgeting).
- You want to verify the reasonableness of a precise answer.
- You want to avoid making small errors by simplifying the problem.
It’s also a core skill in many subjects, especially math and science, where rounding can simplify large or complex calculations.
In this case, we estimated using rounding to the nearest ten, but you can also round to the nearest hundred or use front-end estimation depending on the situation.
In summary, the estimated difference between 206 and 167 is 40, and this quick technique helps make math more manageable and practical in everyday life.