Dividing Decimals

Front

What is a decimal?

Back

A decimal is a fraction expressed in a special form, where the denominator is a power of ten. It is used to represent numbers that are not whole, such as 0.5 or 3.14.

Front

How do you divide a decimal by a whole number?

Back

To divide a decimal by a whole number, move the decimal point in the dividend (the number being divided) to the right until it becomes a whole number. Then divide as you would with whole numbers and place the decimal point in the quotient (the result) directly above where it is in the dividend.

Front

What is the process of dividing decimals?

Back

1. Align the numbers by the decimal point. 2. If necessary, move the decimal point in the divisor (the number you are dividing by) to the right to make it a whole number. 3. Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right. 4. Divide as you would with whole numbers. 5. Place the decimal point in the quotient.

Front

Example: Divide 21.48 by 3. What is the result?

Back

7.16

Front

Example: Divide 88.55 by 11. What is the result?

Back

8.05

Front

What is the average?

Back

The average is the sum of a set of values divided by the number of values in the set. It represents a central value.

Front

Example: Find the average monthly rainfall if a town received 44.52 inches of rain in 12 months.

Back

3.71 inches (44.52 ÷ 12 = 3.71).

Front

What is the importance of place value in decimals?

Back

Place value determines the value of a digit based on its position in a number. In decimals, the position to the right of the decimal point represents tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.

Front

Example: Divide 8.25 by 5. What is the result?

Back

1.65

Front

How do you convert a decimal division problem into a fraction?

Back

To convert a decimal division problem into a fraction, write the decimal as the numerator and the divisor as the denominator, then simplify if possible.