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Estimate the Number of Monkeys in DTU Campus

Guesstimate Solving , Volume 3

February 24, 2025

Have you ever wondered just how many monkeys roam around DTU’s campus? They swing across trees, sneak into hostel areas, and sometimes even make a surprise appearance in canteens. But can we actually estimate their numbers without counting them one by one? This is where guesstimates come in!

Guesstimates are logical estimations made with limited or no precise data, relying on structured thinking and reasonable assumptions. They are widely used in consulting, business analytics, and problem-solving to quickly approximate solutions to complex questions. Whether it’s estimating the number of cabs in Delhi or the revenue of a company, the ability to break down a problem and make reasonable assumptions is an essential skill. Solving a guesstimate has the following steps:

  1. Understand the Question – Identify the key variables and constraints.

  2. Break Down the Problem – Divide it into logical segments for better analysis.

  3. Make Reasonable Assumptions – Use practical knowledge and logic to estimate missing data.

  4. Apply a Structured Approach – Calculate step-by-step to reach a final estimate.

Verify and Validate – Ensure the result makes sense within the given context

Estimating the Number of Monkeys in DTU

Estimating the number of monkeys in DTU might seem like a wild guess at first, but with a structured approach, we can arrive at a logical estimate. The key is to break the campus into different zones, understand where monkeys are most likely to be found, and apply reasonable assumptions about their population density. By segmenting the area and assigning density values based on environmental factors, we can systematically calculate the most accurate estimate possible.

Since different areas of the campus serve distinct purposes, the likelihood of monkeys inhabiting them varies. Buildings, departments, and eateries are primarily academic and administrative spaces with high human activity, making them less favorable for monkeys. Parking areas and sports grounds see moderate human presence and occasional food availability, making them somewhat suitable.

Green spaces, with their abundance of trees and vegetation, provide the most natural habitat for monkeys. Based on this, DTU’s approximately 165-acre campus can be categorized into 50% buildings and departments (82.5 acres), 20% parking and sports ground (33 acres), and 30% green spaces (49.5 acres).

Making Assumptions

Since different areas of the campus attract different numbers of monkeys, we can assume:

  • The Monkey Density in Green Spaces would be 3 monkeys per acre 

  • The Monkey Density in Parking & Sports Grounds would be 2 monkeys per acre 

  • The Monkey Density in Buildings & Apartments would be 0 monkeys per acre

Step-by-Step Calculation

Now, By using these assumptions:

  • Buildings & Departments (82.5 acres)
    82.5 x 0 monkeys/ acre= 0 monkeys

  • Parking & Sports ground (33 acres)
    33 x 1 monkeys/ acre = 33 monkeys

  • Green Spaces (49.5 acres)
    49.5 x 3 monkeys/ acre = 148.5 monkeys

Adding all the numbers together: 0 (Buildings) + 33 (Parking & Sports) + 148.5 (Green Spaces) = ~182 monkeys

So, based on this structured approach, DTU’s monkey population is likely around 182 monkeys. While this isn’t an exact number, it gives us a logical way to estimate real-world scenarios without having to count every single monkey!

Practice Questions

  1. Estimate the total number of books in the DTU library.(Estimate sections, books per section, branch-specific collections, and reference materials.)

  1. How many flights take off from IGI Airport daily? ( Estimate population of Delhi, airport capacity, avg flight schedules, and airline operations.)

Effective tips for solving  guesstimates

  1. Break it down - Don’t jump to a final number; split the problem into smaller, manageable parts.

  2. Rely on known facts - Keep basic stats in mind (like India’s population ~1.4B) to use as reference points.

  3. Think step by step - Use per-person, per-day, or percentage-based approaches to build up the answer.

  4. Check if it makes sense - Compare your final number to reality and see if it feels reasonable.

  5. Stay structured - Keep your thought process clear and avoid getting lost in the numbers.

  6. Explain as you go - Walk through your logic so others can follow along.

  7. Refine your estimate – If the number feels off, tweak your approach and adjust accordingly.

The key is to stay calm, think logically, and keep it simple!

WRITERS

Aarambh Ubriani

Siddhant Singh

Nandita Gopal