Which of the following mental computations gives the closest estimate of the answer to the preceding problem?

Rationale

Dividing 480 by 8 provides the closest estimate of the answer to the preceding problem.

This computation effectively simplifies the original problem while maintaining a value that is reasonably close to the actual answer. Dividing by 8 allows for an accurate assessment of the scale of the numbers involved, making it the best mental computation option.

A (Dividing 480 by 8) CORRECT

This choice directly addresses the problem using a divisor that is a factor of 480. Since 480 divided by 8 equals 60, it offers a close estimate to the actual solution, which is likely in the same range, thus making it the most appropriate choice.

B (Dividing 480 by 10) YOUR ANSWER

While this option provides a simple calculation yielding 48, it underestimates the value of the original problem. Dividing by 10 reduces the scale too much, leading to a result that is significantly lower than what would be expected, making it less useful as a mental computation.

C (Dividing 490 by 7) YOUR ANSWER

This computation results in 70, which is a reasonable answer but does not align closely with the context of the preceding problem. Although it uses nearby numbers, it lacks the precision needed for a close estimate, as it diverges from the original figures.

D (Dividing 490 by 10) YOUR ANSWER

This option yields 49, which is also an underestimation, similar to option B. It simplifies the original problem too much and results in a figure that is not representative of the actual answer, further diminishing its effectiveness as a mental computation.

Conclusion

Selecting the best mental computation is crucial for estimating answers effectively. Among the options, dividing 480 by 8 stands out as it closely approximates the answer to the original problem, whereas the other choices result in estimates that are either too low or not relevant enough. Accurate mental computations allow for quick assessments crucial in problem-solving contexts.

Which of the following mental computations gives the closest estimate of the answer to the preceding problem?

Dividing 480 by 8 provides the closest estimate of the answer to the preceding problem.

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