An approximation is anything that is intentionally similar but not exactly equal to something else.

What is an example of approximation?

Not exact, but close enough to be used. Examples: the cord measures 2.91, and you round it to "3", as that is good enough. the bus ride takes 57 minutes, and you say it is "a one hour bus ride".

What does approximation mean in math?

An approximation is anything that is similar, but not exactly equal, to something else. A number can be approximated by rounding. A calculation can be approximated by rounding the values within it before performing the operations .