How can I perform decimal computation by hand?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Mr Davis 97
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around performing decimal computation by hand, specifically focusing on the calculation of the expression (120)(54.30/194.79) to obtain a result accurate to two decimal places. The scope includes arithmetic techniques such as multiplication and long division.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the multiplication part of the computation is straightforward, while the long division requires more effort.
  • One participant proposes multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 100 to simplify the division.
  • Another participant mentions that it might be easier to multiply the numerator by 120 before performing the division.
  • A participant describes reaching a quotient of 33 during long division but questions how to interpret the remainder as approximately 0.45.
  • Some participants provide resources, such as images and video tutorials, to assist with long division techniques.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps involved in the computation but express differing levels of familiarity with long division and its application in this context. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to handle the remainder.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about participants' prior knowledge of long division and the specific methods for approximating the remainder.

Mr Davis 97
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I have to perform the following computation by hand to get a number within two decimal places:
##\displaystyle (120)(\frac{54.30}{194.79})##. The answer is 33.45, but how can I do this by hand?
 
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Mr Davis 97 said:
I have to perform the following computation by hand to get a number within two decimal places:
##\displaystyle (120)(\frac{54.30}{194.79})##. The answer is 33.45, but how can I do this by hand?
Well, the multiplication part should be easy enough. It's the long division which takes a bit more effort.

Remember, $$a ⋅ \frac{b}{c} = \frac{a ⋅ b}{c}$$

Don't tell me you've never done any arithmetic by hand.
 
multiply top and bottom by 1 ie 100/100 to get 120 * 5430/19479

next use long division

You could first multiply the numerator by 120 before you divide
 
Okay, so doing the long division ##\frac{651600}{19479}## I can get to 33, but then I have the remainder ##\frac{8793}{19479}##. How can I figure out that this remainder is approximately 0.45?
 
Have you forgotten how to do long division?

Here's an example image:

LongDivision.gif
 
Here's some video tutorials to help you:





and there are more here:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28928849/Webpages/ArithmeticVideoLibraryTable.htm

from mathispower4u.com
 

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