Final answer:
To calculate a quotient, convert decimals to whole numbers or fractions, watch for significant figures, and round as needed. Dividing by powers of ten shifts the decimal point leftward. Ensure unit cancellation in dimensional analysis and present the answer in its simplest form.
Step-by-step explanation:
When calculating a quotient, especially when working with fractions or decimals, you should always convert them into a suitable form for easier calculation. For example, when dividing decimal numbers such as 0.02099 by 0.12, it's practical to convert them into whole numbers or fractions to simplify the computation. Moreover, be aware of the number of significant figures when using a calculator. Calculators perform calculations accurately but don't consider the significant figures, so you'll need to round the result accordingly.
Linear equations and other calculations should be rounded to an appropriate number of decimal places, usually determined by the context of the problem or the precision of the data given. For powers of ten, remember that dividing a number by powers of ten moves the decimal point to the left, as seen with 1.9436 ÷ 1000 = 0.0019436. When multiplying or dividing with exponents, subtract the exponents for division and add them for multiplication. For instance, 10⁶ ÷ 10³ gives 10¹.
Always ensure that units cancel out correctly, as this verifies the correctness of the dimensional analysis. The calculated answer should then be presented in its simplest form, expressed as a reduced fraction or a rounded decimal, adhering to significant figures rules.