Understanding Decimal Division
Division doesn't always result in whole numbers!
Sometimes when we divide numbers, we get answers with decimal points. These are called decimal quotients. We can also round these decimals to make them simpler to work with in real-life situations.
How to Divide with Decimal Quotients
1️⃣ Divide as you normally would with long division
2️⃣ Add a decimal point and continue dividing if there's a remainder
3️⃣ Round your answer if needed (to the nearest tenth, hundredth, etc.)
Let's Practice with Examples!
Example 1: Sharing Cookies
You have 5 cookies to share equally among 4 friends. How many cookies does each friend get?
Step 1: Set up the division problem: 5 ÷ 4
Step 2: Divide normally (4 goes into 5 once with 1 left over)
Step 3: Add decimal and zeros: 5.00 ÷ 4
Step 4: Continue dividing to get 1.25 cookies per friend
Now let's round it to the nearest tenth: Click to reveal answer
Example 2: Running Race
Sarah ran 7 miles in 3 days. What was her average distance per day?
Step 1: Set up the division problem: 7 ÷ 3
Step 2: Divide normally (3 goes into 7 twice with 1 left over)
Step 3: Add decimal and zeros: 7.000 ÷ 3
Step 4: Continue dividing to get approximately 2.333... miles per day
Now let's round it to the nearest hundredth: Click to reveal answer
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real-life examples: Practice with money (dollars and cents) to make decimal division more relatable.
- Estimate first: Encourage your child to estimate what the answer should be before calculating to check if their final answer makes sense.
- Round for purpose: Discuss when exact decimals are needed (like in science) versus when rounding is appropriate (like in everyday measurements).