How to Divide Decimal?

Dividing decimals is akin to whole number division, differing mainly due to the decimal point. A similar division approach (like we do for whole numbers) is followed for decimals in math. Before understanding the division of decimals, let’s recall what decimals and the meaning of decimal points are.

In Mathematics, decimals are specific types of numbers, with a whole number and the fractional part separated by a decimal point. The dot that exists between the whole number and fractions part is called the decimal point.

We can also perform various math operations on these numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What is the Division of Decimals?

Dividing Decimals is the same like dividing whole numbers, except for the way we handle the decimal point. There are different cases in dividing decimals, such as:

· Dividing Decimals by whole numbers
· Division of a Decimal Number by another Decimal Number
· Division of decimals by 10, 100 and 1000

Dividing Decimals by whole numbers

Let us understand this by an example

Step 1: Begin by expressing the division problem in its standard form. Commence by dividing the whole number part by the divisor.

Step 2: Position the quotient’s decimal point directly above the dividend’s decimal point. Proceed by bringing down the tenth digit.

Step 3: Continue the division process, sequentially bringing down and dividing the remaining digits until the remainder reaches zero. This way, the decimal placement in the quotient corresponds to that in the dividend.

The stepwise procedure for dividing a decimal number by a whole number is given below for 1926 ÷ 4:

Dividing Decimals by Decimals

Dividing decimals by another decimal involves converting the divisor into a whole number before proceeding with the division. Let’s explore the conditions and guidelines for this approach using an example.

Example: Let’s divide 48.65 ÷ 3.5

Solution: In this division scenario, both the dividend and the divisor are decimals. Therefore, we must convert the divisor into a whole number by following the steps below.

Step 1: Given the dividend of 48.65 and the divisor of 3.5, our objective is to convert the divisor into a whole number. To achieve this, we multiply the divisor by 10, shifting its decimal point to the right, resulting in a whole number, 35.

Step 2: To maintain balance, we also multiply the dividend by 10, which transforms it into 486.5. Essentially, we shift both decimal points to the right until the divisor becomes a whole number.

Step 3: With 486.5 as the dividend and 35 as the divisor, we can now perform division as we normally would, resulting in a quotient of 13.9.

Solved Examples

Example 1: Find the quotient for 1.764 ÷ 0.012

Solution:

The given Divisor =0.012 and Dividend = 1.764

First, to simplify the division problem 1.764 ÷ 0.012, convert the divisor 0.012 into a whole number by shifting its decimal point three places to the right. Simultaneously, move the decimal point in the dividend three places to the right. It transforms the problem into 1764.0 ÷ 12.

So, 1.764 ÷ 0.012 = 1764.0 ÷ 12

The division is explained as shown in the diagram below

Thus, the quotient is 147.

Example 2: Calculate: 8.91 ÷ 2.2

Solution:

The given Divisor = 2.2 and Dividend = 8.91

To simplify the division problem with the divisor 2.2, you should convert it into a whole number by shifting its decimal point one place to the right. Similarly, move the decimal point in the dividend one place to the right to maintain the balance.

8.91 ÷ 2.2 = 89.10 ÷ 22

The division is explained as shown in the diagram below.

Thus, the quotient is 4.05.

Essential Tips on Dividing Decimals

1. To simplify the division, convert the divisor into a whole number by multiplying the divisor and the dividend by the appropriate powers of 10.

2. If you need to divide a decimal number by 10, shift the decimal point to the left by one place. For instance, when dividing 45.67 ÷ 10, move the decimal point to the left, resulting in the answer 4.567.

3. When dividing a decimal number by 100, shift the decimal point to the left by two places. For example, for 324.6 ÷ 100, shift the decimal point two places to the left, yielding the answer 3.246.

4. If you’re dividing a decimal number by 1000, shift the decimal point to the left by three places. For instance, in the case of 8934.5 ÷ 1000, move the decimal point three places to the left, giving you the answer 8.9345.

FAQs

Grade 6 Science Worksheets

• Inquiry process
• Nature of Science
• Scientific Inquiry
• Inquiry, Analysis and Problem Solving
• Ethical Practices
• Science and Society
• Biotic and Abiotic Factors
• Impact of Organisms
• Adaptation
• Spheres of Earth
• Natural Resources
• Environmental Issues
• Conservation of Earth
• Understanding Technology
• Abilities To Do Technological Design
• Structure of Earth
• Solar System
• Rocks and Fossils
• Earth Systems
• Plate Tectonics
• Evolution
• Magnetic Field of Earth
• Geologic Time
• Materials and Processes That Shape a Planet
• Astronomy
• Ecology
• Energy
• Kinetic and Potential Energy
• Energy Transfer
• Matter and its Structure
• States of Matter
• Physical and Chemical Changes
• Force and Motion
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Wave Interactions
• Sound
• Light
• Introduction to Life Science
• The Origin & History of Life On Earth
• Plant and Animal Cells
• Parts of a Cell
• The Cell Cycle
• How Living Organisms Get Energy
• Classification of Organisms
• How Plants Grow & Reproduce
• The Human Respiratory System
• The Human Cardiovascular System
• The Human Digestive System
• The Human Endocrine Systems
• The Human Nervous System
• The Human Muscular System
• The Human Skeletal System

Grade 6 Math Worksheets

• Probability
• Ratio
• Sequence & Patterns
• Division Word Problems  (New)
• Solving two step equations (New)
• One Step Equation  (New)
• Place Value  (New)
• Two Step Equation  (New)
• To convert percents to decimals and vice versa  (New)
• To convert Percents to Fractions and vice versa  (New)