ACT Math Easy
⏱ 12 min 📊 Easy ⭐ Premium

Estimation and Approximation Strategies

Estimation is powerful on the ACT because: 1. The ACT is time-pressured (60 questions in 60 minutes) 2. Answer choices are often spread apart 3. Estimatio…

Theory

When to Estimate

Estimation is powerful on the ACT because: 1. The ACT is time-pressured (60 questions in 60 minutes) 2. Answer choices are often spread apart 3. Estimation can eliminate 2-3 wrong answers instantly Strategies: - Round to friendly numbers: 297 times 4 approx 300 times 4 = 1200 - Use benchmarks: sqrt{50} is between sqrt{49} = 7 and sqrt{64} = 8, closer to 7 - Percent estimation: 15% of 82 ≈ 10% + …

Example: Estimate frac{398 times 52}{201}

Summary

ACT Pro Tip

If the answer choices are 45, 112, 380, and 1,200, you can often eliminate 2-3 options just by estimating the order of magnitude. This is especially useful when you're running low on time — a smart estimate beats a random guess.

Ready to ace the SAT?

Try NovaMaths free — AI tutoring, 115 lessons, 2,950+ exercises.

Practice this topic →
Try NovaMaths Free