Estimate the sum by rounding to the largest place value that has a nonzero digit? 0.28+0.251+0.0085+0.8458=

Question

I didn't understand the part where to round to the largest place value that has a nonzero digit!!!

These are the answers I am to choose from:

A) 0.54

B) 1.135

C) 1.4

D) 1.3853

E) 1.38

Answer 1

It helps just a little to line up the values:

0.28

0.251

0.0085

0.8458

---------

 

"The largest place value that has a nonzero digit" is the first non-zero digit to the right of the decimal point.  When rounded, the values simplify the problem to:

0.3

0.3

0.009

0.8

-------

1.4     Answer (C)

 

The value of making an estimate is to get a close result quickly.   Answers (A) and (B) are obviously not large enough when you quickly consider the first, second, and last numbers.  Answer (D) is an exact (not an estimate) value if the blanks are really 0 (that is, the numbers are not rounded).  Answer (E) may or may not be an estimate to hundredths place.