Division Vocabulary – Key Terms Explained
Understanding the language of division allows you to read problems correctly, follow explanations clearly, and communicate your working with precision.
Core Terms
| Term | Definition | Example: 17 ÷ 5 = 3 r 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend | The number being divided | 17 |
| Divisor | The number dividing by | 5 |
| Quotient | The result (whole number part) | 3 |
| Remainder | What is left after equal sharing | 2 |
Additional Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exact division | Division with no remainder (divides evenly) |
| Factor | A number that divides another with no remainder |
| Multiple | Result of multiplying a number by a whole number |
| Divisible by | Describes exact division: 12 is divisible by 4 |
Phrases That Mean Divide
- "divided by" — 24 divided by 6
- "shared equally between" — 24 shared equally between 6
- "per" — 24 km per 6 hours = 4 km/h
- "split into" — 24 split into 6 equal parts
- "the quotient of" — the quotient of 24 and 6
Worked Example
35 ÷ 8
35 is the dividend. 8 is the divisor. 8 × 4 = 32, so quotient = 4, remainder = 3.
Key Takeaways
- Dividend ÷ Divisor = Quotient remainder Remainder.
- If the remainder is 0, the division is exact.
- Recognising vocabulary in word problems is as important as the calculation.
Practice Questions
- In 56 ÷ 8 = 7, identify the dividend, divisor, and quotient.
- What is the remainder when 29 is divided by 6?
- Is 42 divisible by 7? Explain.
- Write two sentences using "quotient" and "remainder".
- List all factors of 24.