Ballparking: Quick Problem-Solving Technique for Conversations and Tests

What is the main idea behind the ballparking technique?

• To achieve perfect results in every situation

• To make quick, intelligent guesses to solve problems

• To avoid making any guesses and rely on exact calculations

• To focus solely on conversations and not on tests

Which method is used to estimate the most popular food in the world?

• Using population data and process of elimination

• Surveying a small group of people

• Exact calculation of food popularity

• Random guessing without any data

In the food popularity example, which two cuisines are estimated to be the most popular?

• Italian and Japanese

• Chinese and Indian

• French and Thai

• American fast food and Mexican

What is the first step in simplifying the complex math problem using ballparking?

• Calculate the exact square root of 24

• Use a close-enough number to the square root of 24

• Ignore the square root of 24 completely

• Use a calculator to find the exact answer

How is the process of elimination used in the math problem example?

• By calculating each option exactly

• By guessing randomly among the options

• By crossing out options that are too high or too low

• By choosing the first option that seems correct