English ACT Aspire Practice Test

What does it mean to estimate?

1. To identify as something or someone previously seen

2. An educated guess

3. The line by which a figure or object is defined

4. To find similarities

The correct answer is: An educated guess

Estimating involves making an educated guess about a quantity or value based on available information or experience rather than calculating it precisely. This strategy is particularly useful in situations where exact numbers may not be necessary or available, allowing for a quick assessment that guides decision-making. The nature of an estimate is that it relies on intuition and judgment, which makes it different from simply identifying or classifying something, like recognizing a familiar object or person. Furthermore, while defining a figure or finding similarities can involve some level of approximation, these actions do not capture the essence of estimating as it pertains to making a reasoned speculation about numerical values or quantities. Hence, recognizing that estimating means arriving at a reasonable approximation through inference or prior knowledge is crucial for understanding its application in various contexts.