Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers

When dividing a decimal by a whole number, divide as with whole numbers. Then place the decimal in the quotient directly above its place in the dividend.

Example:

Dividing Decimals by Single Digit Whole Number

More Examples

The decimal point is placed in the quotient directly above its place in the dividend.

Dividing a Decimal by a 2-Digit Whole Number

If the problem doesn’t result in a remainder of zero, round the quotient to the thousandths unless specified otherwise. You will do this by adding zeros to the dividend.

Example:

An Example with Rounding

74.63

When calculating money in division, you will always round to the nearest cent (hundredth).

Example: $2.53 divided by 2.

Dividing With Money

53.22

Practice Problems

9.6542 44.9873 546.1052

When dividing by a decimal, change the divisor into a whole number. To do this, multiply both the divisor and the dividend by the same power of 10. Then divide as with a whole number.

Ex. Multiply 0.9X10=9Multiply 1.71X10=17.7

Dividing a Decimal by a Decimal

71.19.0

More Examples

64.26.0 4.547.1424.836.0

Line up the numbers by place value as you divide. Annex zeros in the quotient in order to deep digits with the correct place value. Annex zeros in the dividend to continue dividing after the decimal point.

Example:

Zeros in the Quotient and Dividend

524.0

More Examples

009.018.0 20024.6

Any time your answer contains only a decimal, you must annex a zero before the decimal in the ones place.

Ex. .75 – Incorrect 0.75 - correct

Reminder: