Division Tricks
Divisibility by 10 – Ends in Zero
Can you spot a multiple of 10? It has to end in a zero.
This page explains the rule, shows why it works, and walks through worked examples. Then you can try it yourself and check your understanding with practice questions. Use the previous and next links at the bottom to move through the tricks in order.
The rule
The Rule: If a number ends in 0, it is divisible by 10.
Why it works
Why It Works: Ten is the very foundation our whole counting system is built on. Any number that is not a clean multiple of 10 will always show exactly that leftover amount as its last digit — which is why checking for a zero at the end really is the entire test.
Formal Proof (for advanced learners)
Write N = 10a + b, where b is the units digit. Since 10a ≡ 0 (mod 10) for any whole number a, N ≡ b (mod 10). So N is divisible by 10 exactly when b = 0.
Examples
- 130 ends in 0, divisible by 10.
- 500 ends in 0, divisible by 10.
- 125 ends in 5, not divisible by 10.
Step by step
Example A: is 8450 divisible by 10?
- The last digit of 8450 is 0.
- 0 is 0.
- So 8450 is divisible by 10.
Example B: is 6205 divisible by 10?
- The last digit of 6205 is 5.
- 5 is not 0.
- So 6205 is not divisible by 10.
Try it yourself
Now it is your turn. A new random question appears each time. Choose True or False. If you are right, we show how the trick got you there, step by step. If you are not, you will see the full working two ways, the shortcut and the usual method, so you can spot exactly where your answer differed. Press New Question as often as you like: a few quick rounds is the best way to make the trick feel automatic.
Practice questions
Have a go on paper first, then tap Show answer to check your method.
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Is 70 divisible by 10?
Show answer
Yes. The last digit of 70 is 0. 0 is 0. So 70 is divisible by 10.
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Is 105 divisible by 10?
Show answer
No. The last digit of 105 is 5. 5 is not 0. So 105 is not divisible by 10.
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Is 3460 divisible by 10?
Show answer
Yes. The last digit of 3460 is 0. 0 is 0. So 3460 is divisible by 10.
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Is 999 divisible by 10?
Show answer
No. The last digit of 999 is 9. 9 is not 0. So 999 is not divisible by 10.
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Can 12000 coins be split into piles of 10 coins each with none left over?
Show answer
Yes. The last digit of 12000 is 0. 0 is 0. So 12000 is divisible by 10.
Tips and watch-outs
- A number divisible by 10 is divisible by both 2 and 5, which is why it must end in 0.
- Dividing by 10 just removes the last zero: 4300 ÷ 10 = 430.