Dividing Decimals – Two Clear Methods
Dividing decimals can look difficult, but with the right approach it is just as straightforward as dividing whole numbers. The key idea is to make the divisor (the number you are dividing by) into a whole number first.
Case 1 – Dividing a Decimal by a Whole Number
Line up the decimal point in the answer directly above the decimal point in the dividend. Then divide as normal.
6.4 ÷ 4
Divide as normal — the decimal point in the answer sits directly above its position in the dividend.
7.35 ÷ 5
The three-digit decimal shows how the decimal point carries through each step naturally.
Case 2 – Dividing by a Decimal
Multiply both dividend and divisor by the same power of 10 to make the divisor a whole number, then divide normally.
4.8 ÷ 0.6 → multiply both by 10 → 48 ÷ 6
3.75 ÷ 0.25 → multiply both by 100 → 375 ÷ 25
0.084 ÷ 0.07 → multiply both by 100 → 8.4 ÷ 7
Dividing by Powers of 10
| Calculation | Shortcut | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 47.3 divided by 10 | Shift point 1 left | 4.73 |
| 47.3 divided by 100 | Shift point 2 left | 0.473 |
| 47.3 divided by 1000 | Shift point 3 left | 0.0473 |
Real-Life Example
A 2.4 m plank is cut into pieces 0.15 m long. Multiply both by 100: 2.4 ÷ 0.15 becomes 240 ÷ 15. The quotient is the number of pieces.
Try It Yourself
Enter any numbers (decimals are fine) to see the full working displayed step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Decimal divided by whole number: keep decimal point above its position in the dividend.
- Decimal divided by decimal: multiply both by 10, 100, or 1000 to make divisor whole.
- Dividing by 10 moves the decimal point left.
- Check by multiplying: answer times divisor should give the original dividend.
Practice Questions
- 9.6 divided by 3
- 5.4 divided by 0.9
- 12.5 divided by 0.25
- 0.072 divided by 0.008
- A bag of nuts weighing 1.8 kg is divided into portions of 0.15 kg. How many portions?