Dividing Decimals

Dividing a Decimal by a Whole Number

Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend, then divide normally.

Example: $8.64 \div 4$

$8.64 \div 4 = 2.16$ ✅

Dividing by a Decimal

Make the divisor a whole number first:

1. Move the decimal point in the divisor to the right to make it a whole number
2. Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places
3. Divide normally

Example: $7.56 \div 0.6$

• Move both decimals 1 place right: $75.6 \div 6$
• Divide: $75.6 \div 6 = 12.6$ ✅

Dividing by 10, 100, 1000

• Divide by 10: move decimal left 1 place ($34.5 \div 10 = 3.45$)
• Divide by 100: move decimal left 2 places ($345 \div 100 = 3.45$)
• Divide by 1000: move decimal left 3 places ($3450 \div 1000 = 3.45$)

Adding Zeros

Sometimes you need to add zeros to keep dividing:

$5 \div 4 = 1.25$ (Add decimal point and zeros: $5.00 \div 4 = 1.25$)

Estimation

$8.7 \div 2.9 \approx 9 \div 3 = 3$ Actual: $8.7 \div 2.9 = 3$ ✓

Tip: Always check by multiplying: $12.6 \times 0.6 = 7.56$ ✓