Division of Decimals Help

Division of Decimals

When dividing two decimals, it is important to find the correct location of the decimal point in the quotient. There are two cases.

Case 1. To divide a decimal by a whole number, divide as though both numbers were whole numbers and place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend .

Examples

Example 1

Divide 179.2 by 56.

Solution 1

Division of Decimals

Example 2

Divide 38.27 by 43.

Solution 2

Division of Decimals

Sometimes it is necessary to place zeros in the quotient.

Example 3

Divide 0.0035 by 7.

Solution 3

Division of Decimals

Case 2. When the divisor contains a decimal point, move the point to the right of the last digit in the divisor. Then move the point to the right the same number of places in the dividend. Divide and place the point in the quotient directly above the point in the dividend .

Examples

Example 4

Divide 14.973 by 0.23.

Solution 4

Division of Decimals

Move the point two places to the right as shown:

Division of Decimals

Sometimes it is necessary to place zeros in the dividend.

Example 5

Divide 18 by 0.375.

Solution 5

Division of Decimals

Move the point three places to the right after annexing three zeros:

Division of Decimals

Division of Decimals Practice Problems

Practice

1. 113.4 ÷ 6

2. 24. ÷ 486 33

3. 1.15938 ÷ 0.54

4. 9.5 ÷ 4.75

5. 0.0224 ÷ 28

Answers

1. 18.9

2. 0.742

3. 2.147

4. 2

5. 0.0008

Practice problems for these concepts can be found at: Decimals Practice Test.

Division of Decimals Help