Mathematics
Grade 7
15 min
Divide decimals
Divide decimals
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define key terms associated with decimal division, such as dividend, divisor, and quotient.
Divide a decimal by a whole number accurately.
Transform a decimal division problem into an equivalent problem with a whole number divisor.
Divide a decimal by another decimal using the standard algorithm.
Correctly place the decimal point in the quotient of a decimal division problem.
Solve real-world problems involving the division of decimals.
Estimate quotients of decimal division problems to check for reasonableness.
Imagine you have a 12.5-meter ribbon and need to cut it into 5 equal pieces. How long would each piece be? 🤔 This is where dividing decimals comes in handy!
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential steps and rules for dividing decimals,...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DividendThe number being divided in a division problem. It's the total amount you are splitting.In 12.5 ÷ 5, 12.5 is the dividend.
DivisorThe number by which the dividend is divided. It tells you how many groups you are making or the size of each group.In 12.5 ÷ 5, 5 is the divisor.
QuotientThe result of a division problem. It's the answer you get when you divide one number by another.In 12.5 ÷ 5 = 2.5, 2.5 is the quotient.
Decimal PointA symbol used to separate the whole number part from the fractional part of a number.In 3.14, the dot between 3 and 14 is the decimal point.
Place ValueThe value of a digit based on its position in a number (e.g., ones, tens, tenths, hundredths). Understanding place value is key to moving decimal points correctly.In 0.25, th...
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Core Formulas
Dividing a Decimal by a Whole Number
Divide as you would with whole numbers, then place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend.
This rule is used when your divisor is already a whole number. Perform long division normally, and ensure the decimal point in your answer aligns vertically with the decimal point in the number you are dividing.
Dividing a Decimal by a Decimal
1. Move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it becomes a whole number. 2. Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right. Add zeros if necessary. 3. Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the new decimal point in the dividend. 4. Divide as you would with whole numbers.
This is the primary method for divid...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
The total cost of a pizza for a group of friends was $28.35. This included a $3.60 delivery fee. If the rest of the cost was split evenly among 7 friends, how much did each friend pay for their share of the pizza?
A.$4.05
B.$3.54
C.$4.58
D.$3.65
Challenging
The quotient of a division problem is 40. The divisor is 0.25. What is the dividend?
A.160
B.1.6
C.100
D.10
Challenging
Without calculating, which of the following expressions will result in the largest quotient?
A.240 ÷ 0.8
B.240 ÷ 0.08
C.240 ÷ 8
D.240 ÷ 80
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