1. **State the problem:** We want to estimate the value of $1573 + 1211 - 697$. 2. **Use rounding to estimate:** To make calculations easier, round each number to the nearest hundred. 3. Round $1573$ to $1600$, $1211$ to $1200$, and $697$ to $700$. 4. Now perform the calculation with rounded numbers: $$1600 + 1200 - 700$$ 5. Add $1600$ and $1200$: $$1600 + 1200 = 2800$$ 6. Subtract $700$ from $2800$: $$2800 - 700 = 2100$$ 7. **Final estimated value:** $2100$ This estimation is close to the actual value but easier to compute mentally.