What is division?
Division is a mathematical operation that involves dividing a number (dividend) by another number (divisor) to find out how many times the divisor can be subtracted from the dividend. The result of division is called the quotient.
How do I set up a division problem?
Setting up a division problem correctly is the first crucial step towards finding the quotient. Follow these steps:
- Write the dividend (the number being divided) inside the division bracket.
- Write the divisor (the number dividing the dividend) outside the division bracket, to the left.
- Leave space for the quotient above the line.
For example:
42 _______ 7 | 294
How do I divide?
Now that the problem is set up, you can begin the process of division:
- Start with the leftmost digit of the dividend.
- Ask yourself, ‘How many times does the divisor go into the selected digit?’
- Write this number above the division bracket as the first digit of the quotient.
- Multiply the divisor by the digit in the quotient and write the result below the dividend.
- Subtract the result from the corresponding digits of the dividend.
- Bring down the next digit of the dividend.
- Repeat steps 2-6 until you have brought down all the digits.
Let’s go through an example to illustrate the process:
2 _______ 7 | 294 - 28 ----- 14 - 14 ----- 0
What do I do if the divisor does not go evenly into a digit?
If the divisor does not go evenly into a digit, follow these additional steps:
- Once you have subtracted, bring down the next digit of the dividend.
- Continue dividing as before.
- If the divisor does not go evenly into any remaining digits of the dividend, write a decimal point above the division bracket. Add zeros after the decimal point and bring down the next digit.
- Repeat the process until you reach the desired level of precision or until the division terminates.
Division is a fundamental mathematical operation that allows us to distribute and allocate numbers. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can conquer division and solve complex problems with ease. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your division skills!