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Multi-Level Division

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Multi-Level Division

by Cinji18 » Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:43 am
I know how to do the problem, but I'd like an opinion on this.

If I get a multi-level division problem such as this:

2 + 1/(2 + [1/(2 +1/2)])

Is it faster to just a) calculate it through, or b) estimate it then compare the estimate with the answer choices? Is the latter considered a shortcut? I can't tell.


Thanks.
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by tpr-becky » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:05 am
IMO this problem is easier dealt with by doing the calculation - it does'nt take that long and with estimating on a multi-step brings up the problem that you may miss a step and not notice depending on the answers. this is always my advice when a problem takes a very short time to calculate and is straight forward.
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by eaakbari » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:07 am
Well this problem is relatively easy compared to how multi-level division can be. I feel a look at the answer choices would help. If they are not closely spaced you can probably approximate.

PS I would still calculate anyway, Safer is the way to go.
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