Editing Fermi problem (section)

{{Short description|Estimation problem in physics or engineering education}}
{{about|the estimation technique|Fermi's question about extraterrestrial life|Fermi paradox}}
{{refimprove|date=July 2015}}

A '''Fermi problem''' (or '''Fermi question''', '''Fermi quiz'''), also known as an '''order-of-magnitude problem''', is an [[Estimation theory|estimation]] problem in [[physics]] or [[engineering]] education, designed to teach [[dimensional analysis]] or [[approximation]] of extreme scientific calculations. Fermi problems are usually [[back-of-the-envelope calculation]]s. Fermi problems typically involve making justified guesses about quantities and their [[variance]] or lower and upper bounds. In some cases, order-of-magnitude estimates can also be derived using [[dimensional analysis]]. A '''Fermi estimate''' (or '''order-of-magnitude estimate''', '''order estimation''') is an estimate of an extreme scientific calculation.

The estimation technique is named after physicist [[Enrico Fermi]] as he was known for his ability to make good approximate calculations with little or no actual data.