Dividing Decimals

Dividend (in the box)

Find the quotient of 12 ÷ Divisor (out of the box)
4
quotient 3
Set it up divisor dividend 4 12
-12
0

13
Find the quotient of 156 ÷
12 12 156
-12
36
-36
0
 Dividing a whole number by a
whole number
We are able to divide these numbers because the divisors
are whole numbers!

divisor divisor 13
3
4 12 12 156
-12 -12
0 36
-36
0

Sometimes, we have to do a little

more…………………..
 Dividing a whole number by a
DECIMAL
What if the divisor is NOT a whole number??

Example: 156 ÷ 1.2

Set it up 1.2 156

The divisor is
NOT a whole
We have to change the divisor to a
number!
whole number by moving the decimal
to the right (which is the same thing as
multiplying by a power of 10) (x 10, x
100, x 1000, etc.)
 Dividing a whole number by a
DECIMAL
Example: 156 ÷ 1.2

We have to change 1.2 156• 0 • 12. 1560.

the divisor to a •
whole number by We had to
moving the move the We have to move the
decimal 1 decimal the same
decimal to the place to the
right, to make
number of places in
right. the divisor a the dividend also!
whole number
(1 place)
 Dividing a whole number by a
DECIMAL
130
• Bring the decimal
12. 1560. straight up to the Now, CHECK IT
-12 quotient. by multiplying!

36 130
Now, you are ready to
-3 6 divide! X 1.2
0 0 260
+1 3 0 0
- 0 1 5 6•0
0
Dividing a DECIMAL by a DECIMAL
Find the quotient 1.56 ÷ 1.2
1•3
Bring the decimal
1.2• 156
. • straight up to the Now, CHECK IT
-12 quotient. by multiplying!

36 1.3
Now, you are ready to
-3 6 divide! X 1.2
0 26
+1 3 0
1•5 6
Dividing a DECIMAL by a DECIMAL
Find the quotient 15.6 ÷ .12
1 3 0•
Bring the decimal
.12• 15.6 0 • straight up to the Now, CHECK IT
-12 quotient. by multiplying!

36
Now, you are ready to 130
-3 6 divide!
X .12
00 260
+1300
-0 0 1560
•
0
 Dividing Decimals
• Change the divisor to a whole
number by moving the decimal
to the right.
• Move the decimal the same
number of places in the dividend
• If you don’t have to move the
decimal in the divisor, you don’t
move it in the dividend either!
• Bring the decimal straight up to
the quotient
• Divide
• Check your solution by
multiplying!