In everyday life, estimations have to be made in countless situations. Is there time for a soft drink before the next class? Can I stop for a sandwich and still make it to the movie on time? If I watch TV tonight, is there time to do that math assignment in the morning? The Go Figure video mentions a more complex use of estimating -- determining the population of our nation.

In the United States, for example, it would be impossible to go door to door and count every person. The U.S. Census Bureau now sends census questionnaires to every household in the country. If every household returned the form, the census would be complete. Yet, many choose not to participate. Therefore, the Census Bureau must account for those who do not return the forms by making estimations.

After a flurry of controversy over accuracy of the 1990 population count, the Census Bureau is vowing to make Census 2000 the most accurate in history. To accomplish this, citizens will be given multiple opportunities to respond, including an initial mailing, a reminder card, forms available at public locations, and a toll-free telephone number. The Census Bureau also is planning an advertising campaign, and census organizers will contact state, local and tribal governments for help in boosting participation.

The sampling plan requires direct contact with 90 percent of all housing units. An accurate listing of all addresses in every census tract will be key in determining if 90 percent has responded. A random sample of housing will then be selected that will represent the number and characteristics of those who did not respond.

An accurate census is important since population figures determine the number of governmental representatives an area will have.

One method used to collect viewing data is the diary. Sample families across the country are asked to keep diaries detailing which TV programs they watch. At the end of the week, the diaries are mailed to a rating company where they are calculated and compared. The resulting numbers determine the placement of billions of dollars in TV advertising each year, proof that estimating plays a critical role in the success of some businesses.

Estimation gives insight into numbers that normally would not be accessible, and many numbers we depend on every day, from unemployment rates to the current price of gasoline, are derived from estimations.

Actually, the checkbook is still at home next to the forgotten grocery list. An ATM card and a vague memory of the checking balance will have to suffice. This calls for some major estimating.

Grocery shopping, whether for one person or a large family, can be a real task, but just imagine the estimation skills it takes to feed hundreds of people and keep plenty of food on hand. That's what managers of fast food restaurants across the country have to do on a daily basis.

For most restaurants, a delivery truck runs two to three times per week. Managers must order enough food to last until the next delivery. At the same time, over-ordering creates problems because the food can spoil before it is used.

Restaurant managers often use sales projections based on data from previous years' sales in a particular month. However, a store's overall sales may have increased or decreased since last year, so managers also must look at sales for last month and last week.