Division Tricks
Divisibility by 5 – Ends in 0 or 5
The easiest test of all: does the number end in 0 or 5?
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 or 5, it is divisible by 5.
Why it works
Why It Works: This works for the same reason as the rule for 2. Every digit except the last one sits in a place value that is a multiple of 10, and every multiple of 10 is automatically a multiple of 5 as well. So once again, only the very last digit can possibly change the answer.
Formal Proof (for advanced learners)
Let N = 10a + b, where b is the units digit. Since 10a is divisible by 5 for any whole number a, N ≡ b (mod 5). So N is divisible by 5 exactly when b is 0 or 5.
Examples
- 35 ends in 5, divisible by 5.
- 120 ends in 0, divisible by 5.
- 47 ends in 7, not divisible by 5.
Step by step
Example A: is 7285 divisible by 5?
- The last digit of 7285 is 5.
- 5 is 0 or 5.
- So 7285 is divisible by 5.
Example B: is 3762 divisible by 5?
- The last digit of 3762 is 2.
- 2 is not 0 or 5.
- So 3762 is not divisible by 5.
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 60 divisible by 5?
Show answer
Yes. The last digit of 60 is 0. 0 is 0 or 5. So 60 is divisible by 5.
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Is 93 divisible by 5?
Show answer
No. The last digit of 93 is 3. 3 is not 0 or 5. So 93 is not divisible by 5.
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Is 235 divisible by 5?
Show answer
Yes. The last digit of 235 is 5. 5 is 0 or 5. So 235 is divisible by 5.
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Is 4802 divisible by 5?
Show answer
No. The last digit of 4802 is 2. 2 is not 0 or 5. So 4802 is not divisible by 5.
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Can 15045 sweets be shared equally among 5 friends with none left over?
Show answer
Yes. The last digit of 15045 is 5. 5 is 0 or 5. So 15045 is divisible by 5.
Tips and watch-outs
- It has to be the last digit. A 5 in the middle, like 152, does not help.
- Multiples of 5 always end in 0 or 5 alternately: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 …