Introduction to Fermi Estimation
“How many piano tuners are there in Chicago?” This question is an example of a Fermi problem, where methods of educated guessing can be used to estimate seemingly impossible questions. Fermi estimation is named after Enrico Fermi, a Nobel Laureate in Physics, who was extremely skilled at approximating values.
This series serves as an introduction to Fermi estimation. We will study general procedures of this powerful estimation technique, and use these tools to study a variety of Fermi questions, including practical applications and famous problems and paradoxes.
Prerequisites:
None, but Algebra I and II are recommended.
