MCAT Math Question 4: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 4

4. Which of the following would be the most appropriate setup for estimating the value 3.6 × 4.85 for questions in which answer choices differ by a small margin?

  • A. 3.5 × 5
  • B. 3.5 × 4.5
  • C. 4 × 4
  • D. 4 × 5

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

When estimating the product of two numbers, it is best to round one up while rounding the other down, as in choice (A). Choices (B) and (D) each round both numbers in the same direction, which would increase the amount of error in the answer. Choice (C) rounds the numbers in opposite directions, but the degree of rounding is significantly larger than in choice (A) and too extreme for answer choices that differ by small amounts.

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