Question

Which is a reasonable estimate for the difference 5 1/2- 3 5/9? Circle

the letter of the correct answer
A between 1/2 and 1
B between 1 and 1 1/2
C between 1 1/2 and 2
D between 2 and 2 1/2
Elise chose D as the correct answer. How did she get that answer?

Answer 1

Explanation:

To estimate the difference between 5 1/2 and 3 5/9, we can first round the fractions to the nearest whole number or simpler fractions. In this case, we can round 1/2 to 1/2 and 5/9 to 1/2 as well. Now, we have:

5 1/2 − 3 1/2

Subtracting the whole numbers, we get:

5−3=2

Subtracting the fractions, we get:

1/2 − 1/2 = 0

So, the estimated difference is 2, which falls between 2 and 2 1/2. Therefore, Elise chose option D as the correct answer.