What is the first step when dividing decimals by powers of 10?

What is the first step when dividing decimals by powers of 10?

• A. Move the decimal point to the right
• B. Count the number of zeros in the power of 10
• C. Multiply the decimal by 100
• D. Round the decimal to the nearest whole number

Answer: (B)

When dividing decimals by powers of 10, the correct first step is to count the number of zeros in the power of 10. This will inform you how many places to move the decimal point. For instance, if you are dividing by 10, it has one zero, so you would move the decimal point one place to the left. If dividing by 100, which has two zeros, you would move the decimal point two places to the left. This foundational understanding of the relationship between decimal division and powers of 10 is crucial because it simplifies calculations with decimals and provides a clear rule for working through these problems. Understanding how to count the zeros allows you to quickly and accurately adjust the decimal point, leading to the correct answer in a straightforward manner.

When dividing decimals by powers of 10, the correct first step is to count the number of zeros in the power of 10. This will inform you how many places to move the decimal point. For instance, if you are dividing by 10, it has one zero, so you would move the decimal point one place to the left. If dividing by 100, which has two zeros, you would move the decimal point two places to the left.

This foundational understanding of the relationship between decimal division and powers of 10 is crucial because it simplifies calculations with decimals and provides a clear rule for working through these problems. Understanding how to count the zeros allows you to quickly and accurately adjust the decimal point, leading to the correct answer in a straightforward manner.