What does the "HESI Hint" suggest is important for keeping problems aligned?

The suggestion that applying placeholders is important for keeping problems aligned highlights a key strategy in mathematics, especially when dealing with multi-step calculations, long division, or when working with decimals. Placeholders help to maintain the correct positioning of numbers in relation to one another, particularly in addition and subtraction, where the alignment of digits directly affects the accuracy of the outcome.

For instance, when adding or subtracting large numbers, using zeros as placeholders ensures that each digit is in the correct column (units, tens, hundreds, etc.)—this prevents misalignment that could lead to calculation errors. Additionally, in a long multiplication process, placeholders can clarify when to shift digits or when to regroup, thereby simplifying the overall calculation.

While other strategies, such as careful checking of work or using a calculator, can also be important, they don't specifically address the maintenance of alignment during calculations as effectively as the use of placeholders does. Thus, emphasizing placeholders contributes significantly to achieving accurate results in mathematical operations.