Question
Using partial quotients, which would be the best choice for the first number to subtract in the division problem 858
26?
520
2,600
780
800
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To solve the division problem \( 858 \div 26 \) using partial quotients, you want to choose a number to subtract from 858 that is easy to work with and will bring you closer to zero.
Let's evaluate each option:
1. **520**:
\( 858 - 520 = 338 \)
This is a reasonable choice, but it may not be the best first choice since there are larger multiples of 26.
2. **2,600**:
\( 858 - 2,600 = -1,742 \)
This option is not valid since it goes negative.
3. **780**:
\( 858 - 780 = 78 \)
This is a reasonable subtraction, and 78 is manageable to work with afterward.
4. **800**:
\( 858 - 800 = 58 \)
This is also a reasonable subtraction.
### Conclusion
Between the valid choices (520, 780, and 800), the number **800** is the best choice for the first number to subtract in the division problem \( 858 \div 26\). It takes you closer to a simple number to work with while still being a large enough chunk of the original number.
So, the best first number to subtract would be **800**.
Let's evaluate each option:
1. **520**:
\( 858 - 520 = 338 \)
This is a reasonable choice, but it may not be the best first choice since there are larger multiples of 26.
2. **2,600**:
\( 858 - 2,600 = -1,742 \)
This option is not valid since it goes negative.
3. **780**:
\( 858 - 780 = 78 \)
This is a reasonable subtraction, and 78 is manageable to work with afterward.
4. **800**:
\( 858 - 800 = 58 \)
This is also a reasonable subtraction.
### Conclusion
Between the valid choices (520, 780, and 800), the number **800** is the best choice for the first number to subtract in the division problem \( 858 \div 26\). It takes you closer to a simple number to work with while still being a large enough chunk of the original number.
So, the best first number to subtract would be **800**.