Using partial quotients to solve 604 ÷ 5, which is the best choice for the first number to be subtracted from 604?

5,000

500

50

5

1 answer

To use partial quotients for the division of 604 by 5, we want to initially choose a number that is easy to subtract and will help to simplify the calculation.

The options provided are:

  • 5,000
  • 500
  • 50
  • 5

Choosing the first number should ideally be a multiple of 5 that is still less than 604. Here’s a quick analysis of the options:

  1. 5,000 is too large since it exceeds 604.
  2. 500 is a reasonable initial guess since it’s a multiple of 5 and subtracting 500 from 604 is straightforward.
  3. 50 is also a possible choice and would work, but it may not reduce the number as significantly in the first step as 500 does.
  4. 5 is too small and would require many more iterations to reach the result.

Given this information, the best choice for the first number to be subtracted from 604 is 500.