SME
Grade 5 Math · Problem type
Divide by a decimal
Use this for “How many 0.5s are in 3?” (3 ÷ 0.5), or 0.24 ÷ 0.08.
Diagram
0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2
Divisor: 0.3
Quotient: 4
Dividend: 1.2
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
Dividend
÷
Divisor
=
Quotient
Formulas
1.2 ÷ 0.3 = 4
Dividend ÷ divisor = quotient
Assumptions
•
Dividing by a decimal asks how many of it fit.
•
Write both in tenths (1.2 is 12 tenths, 0.3 is 3 tenths), or in hundredths when either has two places. Then divide.
•
Divisors from 0.01 to 0.99, whole-number answers to 999 (21 ÷ 0.2 = 105), so dividends to 989.01.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
Dividend: 1.2
Divisor: 0.3
FIND
quotient
Step 1 · Find quotient
1.2 ÷ 0.3 = ?
Dividend ÷ divisor = quotient
Write both in tenths. How many of the divisor’s tenths fit in the dividend’s?
1.2 = 12 tenths, 0.3 = 3 tenths
12 ÷ 3 = 4
Quotient = 4
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
4 × 0.3 = 1.2 ✓
Topic check
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Related lessons
Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals
Main lesson
Multiply decimals and whole numbers
Use this for “A notebook costs $1.65. How much do 14 notebooks cost?”
Divide decimals by whole numbers
Use this for 7.2 ÷ 4: a decimal shared into equal parts.
Subtract decimals
Use this for “Subtract: 5.27 − 2.85 = ___.”
Multiply a decimal by a decimal
Use this for “What is 0.6 × 0.3?” with tenths times tenths.
Estimate sums of decimals
Use this for “About how much is 12.65 + 8.3?” by rounding each to the nearest whole number.
Estimate differences of decimals
Use this for “About how much is 12.65 − 8.3?” by rounding each to the nearest whole number.
Estimate products of decimals
Use this for “About how much is 4.8 × 6.2?” by rounding each to the nearest whole number.