Dividing Decimals

To divide a decimal by a whole number, set up the division () and immediately bring the decimal point straight up into the answer (). Then divide as you would normally divide whole numbers:

 

To divide any number by a decimal, there is an extra step to perform before you can divide. Move the decimal point to the very right of the number you're dividing by, counting the number of places you're moving it. Then move the decimal point the same number of places to the right in the number you're dividing into. In other words, first change the problem to one in which you're dividing by a whole number.

Example Problem:

1. Because there are 2 decimal digits in .06, move the decimal point 2 places to the right in both numbers and move the decimal point straight up into the answer:

2. Divide using the new numbers:


Under certain conditions, you have to tack on zeroes to the right of the last decimal digit in number you're dividing into:
- If there aren't enough digits for you to move the decimal point to the right, or
- If the answer doesn't come out evenly when you do the division, or
- If you're dividing a whole number by a decimal. Then you'll have to tack on the decimal point as well as some zeroes.

Practice: Try your skills on these division problems:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. If James Worthington drove his truck 92.4 miles in 2.1 hours, what was his average speed in miles per hour? a. 41 b. 44 c. 90.3 d. 94.5 e. 194.04
6. Mary Sanders walked a total of 18.6 miles in 4 days. On average, how many miles did she walk each day? a. 4.15 b. 4.60 c. 4.65 d. 22.60 e. 74.40