Dividing Decimals

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

To divide a decimal number, you can use long division like you would use to solve any division problem with whole numbers.

1. First, set up your division problem.
2. Bring the decimal point from the dividend up to the quotient.
3. Then, ignore the decimal point and divide the two numbers!

Watch some examples of dividing decimals in the video below.

As you watch, work out the problems along with Mr. J on a piece of paper. Then, think about the steps that you took to find the answers.

Dividing Decimals - Whole Number Divisors | 5th Grade Math from Math with Mr. J:

• What are the steps you can use to divide decimals?

Review the steps and explain what you learned from the video aloud.

Check your answers below:

1. Set up the long division problem.
2. Bring the decimal point from the dividend up to the quotient. Make sure they line up correctly.
3. Then, ignore the decimal point and divide as you would with whole numbers.
4. Check your answer: does it make sense?

Like the examples in the video, you can divide decimal numbers in real life to split money between people.

Use the steps above to solve 7.48 ÷ 2 with long division:

You can multiply the divisor by the quotient to check your answer:

Correct!

You learned how to use a strategy to complete a long division problem. Remember to bring the decimal point straight up from the dividend to the quotient. Then, ignore the decimal point and divide.

Use your new strategies in the Got It? section to try some practice problems on your own!