Contributor: Jennifer Del Valle Rodriguez. Lesson ID: 14193
Unlock the secrets of decimal division! From sharing pizza slices to planning road trips, you’ll learn to divide like a pro and tackle real-life math challenges. Dive in!
Imagine a time over a thousand years ago, in ancient China, when mathematicians used rods and stones to master complex math.
They didn’t have calculators, but they had a powerful counting system called rod numerals—and they were already dividing with decimals!
Now it’s your turn to discover how dividing with decimals can add a new spark to your math skills.
Alright, math adventurer — dive into the world of decimal division!
Why Divide by Decimals?
Dividing by decimals helps you break down real-life scenarios like these. And here’s a secret: it’s easier than it sounds!
Quick Tip: Decimals are just fractions in disguise!
0.6 means 6 tenths or 6 out of 10 parts or 6/10.
0.25 means 25 hundredths or 25 out of 100 parts or 25/100.
That’s because the first place after the decimal point is called the tenths place, and the second place after the decimal is called the hundredths place.
Dividing Whole Numbers by Decimals
Whoa, decimals! Don't worry. Here's the trick.
Step 1: Move the decimal in the divisor.
Shift the decimal in 0.6 one place to the right to make it a whole number: 6.
Step 2: Do the same to the dividend.
Move the decimal in 36 one place to the right, turning it into 360.
Step 3: Divide as usual.
Now it’s just 360 ÷ 6 = 60.
Give it a try!
Go through the steps.
Practice your new skills with this video!
Remember this shortcut: D.M.D – Decimal Moves to the Right.
D for Decimal: Find the decimal in the divisor.
M for Move: Move the decimal right to make a whole number.
D for Do the same: Move the decimal in the dividend the same way. Then divide as usual!
Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers
Now, let's flip things around.
No worries. Here's how.
Step 1: Set up the problem.
Start by writing the decimal (dividend) under the division bar and the whole number (divisor) outside it.
6 | 0. | 3 | 6 |
Step 2: Divide as usual.
Now, divide as if there were no decimals! Begin dividing the leftmost digit and move right, bringing down digits one at a time if needed.
Start with the first digit. 6 doesn’t fit into 0, so move to the next part, 3.
6 doesn't fit into 3 either, so add the next digit, making it 36.
6 goes into 36 exactly 6 times, so write 6 above the division bar.
6 | ||||||
6 | 0. | 3 | 6 | |||
- | 3 | 6 | ||||
0 |
Step 3: Place the decimal.
Since the decimal is in 0.36, place it directly above in your answer. The decimal in your answer should align with the decimal in the dividend.
Remember to add 0 placeholders if necessary.
0. | 0 | 6 | ||||
6 | 0. | 3 | 6 | |||
- | 3 | 6 | ||||
0 |
So, 0.36 ÷ 6 = 0.06.
Practice Makes Perfect!
The more you practice these steps, the more confident you'll get.
Watch this video to help cement your new skills.
Zoom to the Got It? section to test your knowledge of dividing by decimals!