JENECONKMaths Universe

Dividing Decimals

Ages 10–14

Difficulty adapts to you

Dividing Decimals

To divide decimals, move the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number, then move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places.

Your goals

  • ✓You can divide decimal numbers.
  • ✓You can use divisor, quotient correctly.
  • ✓You can make the divisor a whole number by scaling both numbers equally.

Words to know

divisor:
The number you divide by.
quotient:
The result of division.

Examples

  • 14.8 ÷ 0.2 = 48 ÷ 2 = 24
  • 27.5 ÷ 0.5 = 75 ÷ 5 = 15

Check these

  • • Do not move the decimal point in only one number.
  • • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
  • • Show enough working to check how you reached your answer.

Helpful habits

  • • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
  • • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
  • • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.

Now try your own

Create your own dividing decimals example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.

Byte

Byte

Helpful Hints

“Calculators are tools, not replacements for thinking!”