Estimating time
To estimate time means to make a sensible guess about how long something takes, without measuring it exactly. Good estimates use units that fit: seconds, minutes or hours.
Key idea
Choose the right unit. Quick things use seconds, everyday tasks use minutes, and long activities use hours.
Using what you know
Compare with things you already know. Brushing your teeth takes about 2 minutes, so an activity that feels a bit longer might take about 5 minutes.
Worked example
About how long to eat lunch? Not seconds (too short) and not hours (too long). A good estimate is about 30 minutes.
A good estimate does not have to be exact. It only needs to be close and sensible. If someone says walking to school takes 3 seconds, we know that is far too short. If they say it takes 3 days, that is far too long. About 15 minutes feels just right. Thinking in this way helps us pick answers that make sense in real life.
Remember
- Seconds: very quick, like a clap.
- Minutes: everyday tasks, like eating.
- Hours: long tasks, like sleeping at night.
- A good estimate is close, not exact.