Final answer:
278 is already a whole number and falls between the consecutive whole numbers 278 and 279, so estimation is not necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate 278 between two consecutive whole numbers, you look for the nearest whole numbers it falls between. Since 278 is a whole number itself, the two consecutive whole numbers it falls between are simply 278 and 279. Estimation is not necessary in this case, as the number provided is already a whole number.