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.

Spark

Spark

Creativity & Innovation

“Challenge yourself: can you explain this to a friend?”