What is the first step in estimating 56 times 27?

The first step would be rounding 56 and 27 to easier number to calculate in your head. 56 can be rounded to 60, 27 can be rounded to 30.

Now, instead of 56*27, you have 60*30

since 6*3=18, we know 60*30=1800

Rounding ... so for eg.

= 55 * 30 = 1650