Scale a known quotient to a new one: Given 2805 ÷ 2.55 = 1100, evaluate 280.5 ÷ 25.5 by using proportional scaling rather than long division.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 11

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When a related quotient is known, you can exploit scaling to find a new quotient quickly. This avoids redundant long division and is a powerful test shortcut in decimal-fraction topics.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Known: 2805 ÷ 2.55 = 1100
  • Find: 280.5 ÷ 25.5


Concept / Approach:
Observe that the new numerator is 1/10 of 2805 and the new denominator is 10 times 2.55. Since division is multiplicative, (a/10) ÷ (10b) = (a/b) ÷ 100. Thus the new quotient equals the old quotient divided by 100.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Original quotient Q = 2805 / 2.55 = 1100New quotient = (2805/10) / (2.55×10) = (2805 / 2.55) × (1/100)= 1100 / 100 = 11


Verification / Alternative check:

Compute directly: 280.5 ÷ 25.5 = (2805 ÷ 255) = 11 (after moving decimals equally).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1.01, 1.1, 0.11: These represent dividing by 1000, 10, or 10,000 incorrectly; the correct scaling factor is 100.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Not applying equal decimal shifts to numerator and denominator.
  • Mishandling powers of 10 while rescaling.


Final Answer:

11

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