What is the decimal quotient obtained when 18 is divided by 1000?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests simple decimal division by a power of 10. Dividing by 10, 100, 1000, and so on is a fundamental skill that allows quick mental calculations without long division, since it corresponds to shifting the decimal point to the left.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We need to compute 18 ÷ 1000.
• Both numbers are positive.
• The divisor 1000 is a power of 10.
• The answer must be expressed as a decimal.

Concept / Approach:
Dividing by 10, 100, or 1000 shifts the decimal point of the dividend to the left by 1, 2, or 3 places respectively. The number 18 can be written as 18.0. Since 1000 = 10^3, dividing 18 by 1000 requires shifting the decimal point three places to the left, filling in zeros where needed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Write 18 as 18.0 to visualize the decimal point.Because 1000 = 10^3, we need to move the decimal point three places to the left.Move one place: 1.80.Move two places: 0.180.Move three places: 0.0180.So 18 ÷ 1000 = 0.018.Thus, the decimal quotient is 0.018.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can check with fractions. Write 18 ÷ 1000 as 18/1000. Both numerator and denominator are divisible by 2, giving 9/500. To convert 9/500 to a decimal, note that 500 = 5 × 100, so 9/500 = (9/5) ÷ 100 = 1.8 ÷ 100 = 0.018. This confirms that the decimal representation is correct and consistent with the place value method.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option 1.8 corresponds to dividing by 10, not 1000. Option 0.18 corresponds to dividing by 100. Option 0.0018 would be obtained by dividing by 10,000. Option 0.00018 reflects an even larger divisor. All of these are incorrect for division by 1000. Only 0.018 correctly represents the quotient when 18 is divided by 1000.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes move the decimal point the wrong way, to the right instead of the left, which effectively multiplies instead of dividing. Another mistake is to move the decimal the wrong number of places, for example shifting only twice for division by 1000. Carefully counting the number of zeros in the divisor and moving the decimal left by that same number is the key to avoiding these errors.

Final Answer:
The decimal quotient of 18 divided by 1000 is 0.018.