Smart Math guide · Number Sense

Use Benchmark Numbers

Anchor thinking to familiar values such as 0, 1/2, 1, 10, 100, and 1000.

All levelsWorked example includedSelf-check included
The method

How to use it

  1. Identify the nearest familiar benchmark.
  2. Compare the quantity to it.
  3. Use the comparison to judge size or reasonableness.
Worked example

See it in action

0.49 is just under 0.5, so 0.49×80 should be just under 40.

Check your thinking

How to verify it

Exact: 39.2, matching the benchmark.