AC9M4N07

Number > Estimation

Australian Curriculum Version 9 Says:

Choose and use estimation and rounding to check and explain the reasonableness of calculations including the results of financial transactions.

What this means

Estimation with numbers.

  • Estimation and rounding to check; students will likely use basic fact knowledge and place value to work out whether the answer to a calculation is “about right”. For example, are they expecting the answer to be in the hundreds or the thousands.
  • Explain the reasonableness; reasonableness is often linked to context. In a financial context it does not make sense that a stapler would cost $54 but rather $5.40, for example.

Tip

  • Rather than become enslaved to rounding rules consider the context. Often, we need to overestimate.

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Resources & Manipulatives

These Quick Curriculum Guides have been designed to take a look at the Australian Mathematics Curriculum (AC9), explain terminology and provide interpretations.

Narelle and I have used our professional judgement to put forward what is appropriate for students at this year level.

Authors: Dr Paul Swan & Narelle Rice
We would like to also thank Linda Marshall and David Dunstan for comments and assistance.

These documents serve as general advice only and do not take into account your specific needs and conditions. While best care has been taken in compiling these materials, mistakes may exist.
Australian Curriculum version 9 materials used under Creative Commons licence from ACARA. Readers should always refer back to the curriculum itself and the state-based curriculum that is relevant for you.

This document is copyright of A-Z Type (Dr Paul Swan). A copy of this document may be downloaded from www.drpaulswan.com.au.