Dividing decimals; fractions to decimals · Usually met around P6
Dividing decimals
Make the divisor whole: move both points.
How to do it
Method
Make the divisor whole: move both points
4.8 ÷ 0.6 = 48 ÷ 6 = 8
Another way
Long division
7.2 ÷ 4 = 1.8, the points lined up
In full
÷ 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 move the point one, two and three places to the right. That's the same as × 10, 100 and 1000: 3.25 ÷ 0.01 = 3.25 × 100 = 325. A decimal ÷ a whole number: divide as whole numbers, then put the point back where it was: 7.2 ÷ 4 → 72 ÷ 4 = 18 → 1.8. Dividing by a decimal: move the point in both numbers the same number of places to the right, until the divisor is a whole number. The answer doesn't change: 4.8 ÷ 0.6 = 48 ÷ 6 = 8. Sometimes you fill in a zero: 6 ÷ 0.4 = 60 ÷ 4 = 15. Long division works too. It also makes the divisor whole first, then lines up the answer's point with the point in the number being divided.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
6 ÷ 0.2
Show the answer and working
Answer: 6 ÷ 0.2 = 30
6 ÷ 0.2: move both points one place right to make the divisor whole: 60 ÷ 2 = 30
Example 2
4.3 ÷ 0.5
Show the answer and working
Answer: 4.3 ÷ 0.5 = 8.6
4.3 ÷ 0.5: move both points one place right to make the divisor whole: 43 ÷ 5 = 8.6
Example 3
13.5 ÷ 0.5
Show the answer and working
Answer: 13.5 ÷ 0.5 = 27
13.5 ÷ 0.5: move both points one place right to make the divisor whole: 135 ÷ 5 = 27
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