Final answer:
To divide 15,542 by 38, use long division to find that the quotient is 409. Multiplying the quotient by the divisor confirms the correct result. Significant figures are not a major concern with whole numbers but are important in other numerical contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves dividing the number 15,542 by the number 38. To find the quotient, this division can be performed using long division or a calculator. We divide 15,542 by 38 step by step.
- Divide the first digit of 15542 by 38. Since 38 cannot divide into 1, we look at the first two digits, which is 15. 38 does not divide into 15 either, so we look at the first three digits - 155. 38 goes into 155 four times because 4 times 38 is 152.
- After subtracting 152 from 155, we bring down the next digit, which is 4, making it 34.
- 38 does not fit into 34, so we write 0 in the quotient and bring down the next digit, which is 2, making it 342.
- 38 goes into 342 nine times because 9 times 38 is 342.
- After subtracting the complete 342, there are no more digits left to bring down, so the division is complete.
The result of the division is 409, which is the quotient. To check the division, multiply the quotient (409) by the divisor (38) which equals 15,542. This confirms that the division is accurate.
Regarding significant figures, this concept is not particularly relevant here because we are dealing with whole numbers. However, when dealing with measurements or non-integer numbers, it's crucial to round the result to the same number of significant figures as the number with the fewest significant figures in the problem.