Estimating with Benchmarks and Approximations

The video tutorial explains the concept of benchmarks, which are known quantities used to estimate larger amounts. Through examples involving jelly beans, shoes, and quilts, the video demonstrates how benchmarks can simplify the process of estimating large quantities. The tutorial emphasizes that while benchmarks provide close estimates, they are not exact counts, making them useful for quick approximations.

What is the primary purpose of a benchmark in estimation?

• To provide an exact count

• To help understand the size of something

• To confuse the user

• To mark a bench

In the jelly beans example, if one jar is a benchmark for 20 jelly beans, how many jelly beans are estimated in three jars?

• 80

• 60

• 40

• 100

Why might the estimated number of jelly beans not be exactly 60?

• The benchmark is incorrect

• The jars are different sizes

• The estimate is an approximation

• The jelly beans are invisible

In the shoes example, if each shelf holds 5 pairs of shoes, how many pairs are estimated on four full shelves?

• 15

• 25

• 20

• 10

What could cause the shoe estimate to be slightly off?

• A pair of baby shoes added

• Shoes are different colors

• Shelves are different heights

• Shoes are not counted

In the quilt example, if one section has 100 flowers, how many flowers are estimated in five sections?

• 600

• 500

• 400

• 300

Why is it easier to use a benchmark for counting flowers on a quilt?

• It is more fun

• It provides an exact count

• It makes the quilt look better

• It saves time compared to counting each flower

What is a key takeaway about benchmarks from the video?

• They are not reliable

• They are always exact

• They are a useful estimation tool

• They are only used for counting flowers

How does a benchmark help in estimating large quantities?

• By making counting unnecessary

• By confusing the estimator

• By offering a reference point for estimation

• By providing a precise count

What is a potential downside of using benchmarks?

• They are always wrong

• They can be slightly inaccurate

• They take too long to use

• They are difficult to understand