Final answer:
To find out who got the correct quotient when dividing 4.80 by 0.12, one must convert the divisor to a whole number and then perform the division. The correct quotient is 40.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves dividing two decimal numbers, 4.80 by 0.12. When you perform this division, you need to move the decimal point in both numbers to make the divisor a whole number. In this case, move the decimal places to the right by two positions for both numbers, converting 0.12 to 12 and 4.80 to 480. Now, you can divide 480 by 12, which gives you the correct quotient of 40. Therefore, the student with the quotient of 40 has done the division correctly.
Calculators and significant figures: When using a calculator, it provides a precise number but does not account for significant figures. The user must round off the result according to the significant figures present in the given data. In division, just as in multiplication, significant figures play a crucial role in reporting the correct answer.
In summary, to divide by a decimal, you can convert the problem into division by a whole number and then perform the calculation. Units and significant figures should always be considered when finalizing your result.