What is the first step in estimating 56×27

First you should round the numbers that you are multiplying so.
56 ---> 60
27---> 30
You know that 5 and higher you'll round up.
4 and below you'll round down.

First you have to round the numbers its self up:
Remember: "5 or more raise the score, 4 or less let it rest"
56 estimation up 60
27 estimation up 30
Then you do the equation:
60 * 30 = 1800

The answer to that is 6