Question

James is trying to use his computer to do the math for a Chemistry test. He finds a really cool looking calculator app and wants to try it out. He types in 5/4 and gets the number 0.000004050.

What is the output?
(A) 0.000004050
(B) 1.25
(C) 0.2
(D) 5

Answer 1

James's calculator likely misinterpreted his input, resulting in an incorrect output. The correct output for 5 divided by 4 is 1.25. It's important to properly enter numbers and understand the calculator's functions to avoid such errors.

Step-by-step explanation:

When James entered 5/4 into his calculator, he expected to get a simple decimal number as the output. However, the number he received, 0.000004050, does not seem correct for this calculation. The correct output for 5 divided by 4 is 1.25. James's calculator likely malfunctioned, or he entered the number in a format the calculator did not interpret correctly, such as mistaking it for scientific notation. Calculators can present numbers in scientific notation, like how 56900 is 5.69 times 10 to the fourth power, and 0.000028 is 2.8 times 10 to the negative fifth power. To prevent such errors, it's important to understand how to use the calculator's functions correctly and to check that numbers are entered properly.

Understanding how to enter numbers correctly in a calculator is crucial, especially in subjects like chemistry where scientific notation is frequently used. If uncertain about how to use the calculator's functions, consulting with an instructor or the calculator's manual is advisable. Remember, it's the human operator's responsibility to interpret and round a calculator's output correctly based on significant figures and context, as calculators do not apply these rules on their own.