Mathematical Modelling · Guided Practice
Fermi Estimations
9 questions with answers and video solutions. Try each one before revealing the answer.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
breaths.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
km.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
slices.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
litres.
Estimate the number of sheets used per pupil per week.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
, about sheets per pupil per week.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
words.
A school year in Scotland usually lasts 190 days.
Estimate the total number of hours that a typical pupil in Scotland will spend in school during their lifetime.
State any further assumptions you make.
Answer
Assumptions: 11-15 years of schooling, 5-8 hours per day.
Calculation example: hours or hours.
Estimate the total number of portions of fruit and vegetables that a typical person eats during their childhood.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
Assumptions (must state at least two):
Minimum 7 years, maximum 18 years.
Minimum 2 portions per day, maximum 10 portions per day.
Calculation example: portions.
Estimate the number of hours sleep a typical person in Scotland has during their lifetime.
State any assumptions you make.
Answer
Assumptions:
Number of hours sleep per night for an average person (e.g., 6-10 hours).
Life expectancy for an average adult (e.g., 65-90 years).
Calculation example using 8 hours, 75 years, and 365 days:
hours.