Dividing Decimals

Decimals include both whole and fractional parts in numbers. A decimal point (.) is used to distinguish between whole and fractional parts. For example, let’s take a look at the value of pi.

(Pi is approximately 3.1415…, and is a non-repeating non-terminating decimal. In a simple version, we can represent it as 3.14.)

Here, “3” is the whole number part and “14” is the fractional part of the pi value. The point in red is called the decimal point, which separates the whole number and the fractional part. 

Thus, a decimal is a number that includes both a fractional part and a whole number part, separated by the decimal point.
 

Decimals can be divided the same way we divide whole numbers. However, in the case of decimals, we must consider the digits that come after the decimal point. These digits represent values less than 1, and dividing them can be tricky. Division of decimals may involve both decimals and whole numbers. 



For example, here the pi value is divided by a whole number “2”. The number “2” is the divisor, and the pi value is the dividend (a decimal number).
 

Any whole number can divide a decimal number. Let’s understand how to divide a decimal number by a whole number by a long division process.

Example: Divide 485.67  20
 
Solution:  

Step 1: The first step is to identify the dividend and the divisor. Here, 485.67 is the dividend and 20 is the divisor.  
 

Step 2: Count the decimal places in the dividend and place the decimal point in the quotient. Now bring down the number in the tens place. 

Step 3: Continue the division process until the remainder is zero. Ensure the decimal point is correctly placed, and the division continues until the remainder is zero or the desired decimal precision is achieved.
 

The first step when dividing two decimals is to convert the divisor into a whole number. The rest of the process remains the same. Let’s consider an example for better understanding.

Example: Divide 485.67  2.1

Solution: Let’s first convert the divisor into a whole number and continue with the division process. 




 

Step 1: Multiply the divisor by 10 to make it a whole number. So, 2.1  10 = 21.
 

Step 2: The dividend should also be multiplied by 10 to keep the division equivalent. So, 485.67  10 = 4856.7. 
 

Step 3: Now, we must divide 4856.7 by 21. Dividing the numbers, we get: 

        4856.7  21 = 231.27
 

Dividing decimals is important, as we use it in our everyday lives without even realizing it. Here are some real-life examples where decimals are divided.
 

• Money and Transactions: Decimals are often divided when splitting expenses. For example, if three people are sharing a bill of $48.75, we divide 48.75 by 3 to get the exact price each person owes.
   
• Cooking and Baking: For adjusting ingredients in cooking or baking, sometimes, chefs use direction in decimals. For example, 2.5 cups of flour is required for 1 pound of cake baking. Such decimal value ensures accurate measurements. 
   
• Time Calculations: Dividing time into equal parts helps with task scheduling. For example, if a 2.5-hour meeting needs to be divided into 5 equal sessions, each lasts 0.5 hours (or 30 minutes). This helps in time management and organization.