Recognize uniform decimal scaling in sums of squares: Compute [(0.05)^2 + (0.41)^2 + (0.073)^2] / [(0.005)^2 + (0.041)^2 + (0.0073)^2] using powers-of-10 relationships.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 100

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem checks whether you can see patterns in decimal scaling. The denominator terms are each precisely one-tenth of the corresponding numerator terms, and squaring magnifies that scaling in a predictable way. Exploiting this pattern yields the answer instantly.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Numerator: (0.05)^2 + (0.41)^2 + (0.073)^2.
  • Denominator: (0.005)^2 + (0.041)^2 + (0.0073)^2.


Concept / Approach:
If x is scaled to x/10, then (x/10)^2 = x^2/100. Since every denominator term is the square of a numerator term divided by 10, each denominator square equals the corresponding numerator square divided by 100. Thus the whole denominator is 1/100 of the numerator sum, and the ratio is 100.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Observe: 0.005 = 0.05/10; 0.041 = 0.41/10; 0.0073 = 0.073/10.Therefore: (0.005)^2 = (0.05)^2/100, etc.Sum of denominator squares = (sum of numerator squares)/100.Hence overall ratio = (Numerator) / (Numerator/100) = 100.


Verification / Alternative check:

Pick one pair to test: (0.05)^2 = 0.0025; (0.005)^2 = 0.000025; indeed a factor of 1/100.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 0.1, 10, 1000: Each assumes an incorrect scaling factor (1/10, 10, or 1000) rather than 100.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Forgetting that the square of a tenth is a hundredth.
  • Adding before recognizing the uniform scaling wastes time and risks arithmetic slips.


Final Answer:

100

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