24.212 + 12.16 = ? × (49.99% of 55.98)

Concept

In an approximation (simplification) problem you replace each value by the nearest convenient round number, evaluate the expression using the order of operations (powers and brackets first, then multiply or divide), and finally pick the option closest to your estimate. The goal is a fast, reliable estimate rather than an exact figure.

Application

Round each quantity and simplify the expression step by step:

1. Square the first term: 24.212 ≈ 242 = 576.

2. Add the second term: 576 + 12.16 ≈ 576 + 12 = 588 (this is the whole left-hand side).

3. Simplify the bracket on the right: 49.99% of 55.98 ≈ 50% of 56 = 28.

4. The equation becomes 588 = ? × 28, so ? = 588 ÷ 28 = 21.

Cross-check

With the exact numbers, 24.212 + 12.16 = 598.28 and 49.99% of 55.98 = 27.98, so ? = 598.28 ÷ 27.98 ≈ 21.4, which still rounds to 21 and confirms the estimate.