Dividing Decimals - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn to divide decimals with step-by-step methods, examples, and practice activities
What is Decimal Division?
Dividing decimals is just like dividing whole numbers, but with an extra step to handle the decimal point. Decimals are numbers with a dot (.) that show parts of a whole number. When we divide decimals, we're splitting a decimal number into equal parts.
Think of it like sharing pizza slices. If you have 2.5 pizzas to share equally among 5 friends, how much pizza does each friend get? That's decimal division!
In decimal division, we have:
- Dividend: The number being divided (what we're splitting up)
- Divisor: The number we're dividing by (how many groups we're making)
- Quotient: The result of the division (how much each group gets)
Key Concept
Dividing decimals is similar to dividing whole numbers. The key is to move the decimal point in the divisor and dividend to make the divisor a whole number.
How to Divide Decimals
Follow these simple steps to divide decimals:
Move the Decimal
Move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it becomes a whole number. Then move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right.
Divide as Usual
Divide the numbers as if they were whole numbers. Use long division if needed.
Place the Decimal
Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above where it now appears in the dividend.
Add Zeros if Needed
If the dividend has fewer decimal places than needed, add zeros to the right of the dividend.
Remember
Always move the decimal point in the divisor first. Then move the decimal in the dividend the same number of places.
Examples of Dividing Decimals
Step 2: 36 ÷ 40 = 0.9 (add decimal and zero)
Answer: 0.9 kg per basket
Step 2: Move decimals → 84 ÷ 12
Step 3: 84 ÷ 12 = 7
Answer: 7 pieces
Step 2: Set up long division
Step 3: 15 ÷ 5 = 3, 7 ÷ 5 = 1.4, 5 ÷ 5 = 1 → 3.15
Answer: $3.15 per friend
Practice Tip
Estimate your answer first! If 15.75 ÷ 5, think: 15 ÷ 5 = 3, so your answer should be around 3. This helps you catch mistakes.
Practice Quiz
Test your decimal division skills with this quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about dividing decimals:
Math Trivia
Discover interesting facts about decimals and math:
Decimal History
Decimals were first used by Chinese mathematicians in the 4th century BC, but the decimal point was introduced by John Napier in the early 17th century.
Decimal in Space
NASA uses decimal calculations for all space missions. A tiny decimal error caused the loss of the $125 million Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999!
Money and Decimals
Money is the most common use of decimals in everyday life. In the US, dollars are whole numbers and cents are decimals (e.g., $1.25).
Decimals in Sports
Baseball batting averages are calculated using decimal division. A .300 average means a player gets a hit 30% of the time!
