Fill the missing value by approximation: 0.0005 × 76 × 10^3 + ? ≈ 170% of 29.98

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 12

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We match a left-hand expression to a percentage of a number. One term involves scientific notation. After computing both sides approximately, we solve for the missing addend and select the nearest integer option.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Compute: 0.0005 × 76 × 10^3 + ? ≈ 170% of 29.98.
  • 170% = 1.7 as a multiplier.


Concept / Approach:
Evaluate the fixed product first, then the right-hand side, and finally isolate the unknown ?. Round to the nearest feasible option as customary for approximation problems.

Step-by-Step Solution:

0.0005 × 10^3 = 0.5.0.5 × 76 = 38.Right side: 1.7 × 29.98 ≈ 50.966 (≈ 51).So 38 + ? ≈ 50.966 ⇒ ? ≈ 12.966.Nearest option: 12 (among 12, 15, 16, 18).


Verification / Alternative check:
If we round 29.98 to 30, RHS ≈ 51 exactly; then ? ≈ 13. The closest available integer is still 12 (off by 1), which is acceptable within approximation tolerance given the choices provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 15 or 16 or 18: Overshoot the required ~13 by a wider margin than 12 does.


Common Pitfalls:
Misinterpreting 10^3 or distributing 0.0005 incorrectly. Always compute the power-of-ten part first to stabilize place values, then multiply the remaining factors.

Final Answer:

12

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion