Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 0.18
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
To find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of decimals exactly, convert them to integers by multiplying with a common power of ten, compute the GCD of the integers, and then scale back. This avoids rounding and ensures correctness.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Multiply by 100: 1.08 → 108, 0.36 → 36, 0.90 → 90. Compute GCD(108, 36, 90). Then divide the GCD by 100 to return to decimal scale.
Step-by-Step Solution:
GCD(108, 36) = 36.GCD(36, 90) = 18.So the scaled GCD is 18. Scale back: 18 ÷ 100 = 0.18.
Verification / Alternative check:
Confirm divisibility: 1.08 ÷ 0.18 = 6; 0.36 ÷ 0.18 = 2; 0.90 ÷ 0.18 = 5. All are integers, confirming 0.18 divides each exactly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Scaling only some numbers or scaling back incorrectly; using approximate decimal GCDs without exact reduction.
Final Answer:
0.18
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