Estimating a quotient involves using rounding, compatible numbers, or nearby multiples to replace a division problem with an easier one and determine a reasonable approximate whole-number quotient. The estimate helps anticipate the size of an exact quotient and check whether a computed answer is sensible for whole-number dividends of up to four digits divided by one-digit divisors; decimal quotients, fractions, and more complex multi-digit divisors are not included.
To estimate a quotient, replace the dividend with a nearby number that is easy to divide. Choose a nearby compatible number, or a number that is a multiple of the divisor.
Example:
Find a nearby number to that is easy to divide by .
is close to , and it is a multiple of .
Divide the compatible number:
So, the quotient is about . This makes sense because , which is close to .
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