1. Understand the Purpose:
   • Estimating products helps to quickly determine an approximate answer.
   • It is useful for checking the reasonableness of a more precise calculation.
2. Identify Numbers to be Multiplied:
   • Read the problem carefully and identify the numbers involved.
   • Note any significant digits and place values.
3. Round the Numbers:
   • Round each number to a value that makes multiplication easier.
   • Common rounding options include the nearest ten, hundred, or thousand.
   • Ensure rounding makes sense in the context of the problem.
4. Multiply the Rounded Numbers:
   • Perform the multiplication with the simplified, rounded numbers.
   • This gives a rough estimate of the product.
5. Adjust if Necessary:
   • Depending on how much the numbers were rounded, you may need to adjust your estimate.
   • Consider if the rounding caused the estimate to be too high or too low and make a mental note.
6. Check Reasonableness:
   • Compare the estimate to the actual calculation if available.
   • Ensure the estimate falls within a reasonable range of the exact product.

Example Problems

Problem 1: Estimate the product of 47 and 62.

Solution Steps:

1. Round the Numbers:
   • 47 rounds to 50.
   • 62 rounds to 60.
2. Multiply the Rounded Numbers:
   • 50×60=3000
3. Final Estimate:
   • The estimated product of 47 and 62 is approximately 3000.

Problem 2: Estimate the product of 345 and 89.

Solution Steps:

1. Round the Numbers:
   • 345 rounds to 350.
   • 89 rounds to 90.
2. Multiply the Rounded Numbers:
   • 350×90=31500
3. Final Estimate:
   • The estimated product of 345 and 89 is approximately 31500.

Problem 3: Estimate the product of 128 and 76.

Solution Steps:

1. Round the Numbers:
   • 128 rounds to 130.
   • 76 rounds to 80.
2. Multiply the Rounded Numbers:
   • 130×80=10400
3. Final Estimate:
   • The estimated product of 128 and 76 is approximately 10400.