Large result from dividing by a small decimal Evaluate: 25 ÷ 0.0005 = ?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: None of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Dividing by a very small decimal yields a large result. This problem reinforces scale intuition and careful handling of zeros and decimal places to avoid underestimating the quotient.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Compute 25 / 0.0005.
  • No rounding; the value is exact.


Concept / Approach:
Convert 0.0005 to a fraction for clarity. Since 0.0005 = 5/10000 = 1/2000, dividing by 0.0005 is equivalent to multiplying by 2000, which makes mental computation straightforward.


Step-by-Step Solution:
0.0005 = 1/2000.Therefore, 25 / 0.0005 = 25 / (1/2000) = 25 * 2000 = 50000.


Verification / Alternative check:
Multiply denominator and numerator by 10000 to remove decimals: (25 * 10000) / (0.0005 * 10000) = 250000 / 5 = 50000. Same result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
50, 500, 5000: Each is off by a factor of 1000, 100, or 10 respectively; they underestimate the effect of dividing by a very small number.


Common Pitfalls:
Treating 0.0005 as 1/200 instead of 1/2000; dropping zeros when scaling; or assuming division by a small decimal yields only a slightly larger number. Always convert to a simple fraction to keep scale consistent.


Final Answer:
None of these (the correct value is 50000).

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