How to explain a. 2-digit estimation in estimation to your child: Example question
30 October 2026
When children start working with two-digit numbers, estimation helps them solve problems quickly and check if their answers make sense. Estimating by rounding to the nearest ten is a simple way to get close to the real answer without needing to work it out exactly.
Example question
Estimate the answer to 47 + 36.
Step 1: Round each number to the nearest ten.
47 rounds to 50.
36 rounds to 40.
Step 2: Add the rounded numbers.
50 + 40 = 90
So, 47 + 36 is about 90.
After seeing this example, your child will recognise how rounding makes adding two-digit numbers easier. They can now try similar estimation questions on their own, building confidence for 11+ maths and using skills found on sites like maths.com uk.
