Last updated on July 4th, 2025
Dividing decimals follows a similar process as dividing whole numbers. The only difference is that whole numbers don’t have a decimal point. To ensure accurate results while dividing decimals, we must follow a structured process. Let’s find out more about that in this article.
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
While dividing decimals, students often make small mistakes that can lead to incorrect answers. Here are five typical mistakes and how to avoid them.
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.
What is 24.6 ÷ 3?
8.2
Set up the division: 24.6 ÷ 3
Divide 24 by 3, which equals 8.
Bring down the 6 (from 24.6) and divide 6 ÷ 3 = 2
Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above its position in the dividend.
The final answer is 8.2
What is 0.84 ÷ 0.2?
4.2
Move the decimal one place to the right in both numbers to make the divisor a whole number:
0.84 x 10 = 8.4
0.2 x 10 = 2
Divide 8.4 by 2:
8 ÷ 2 = 4
4 ÷ 2 = 2
The final answer is 4.2
What is 9.072 ÷ 3.6?
2.52
Convert 3.6 into a whole number by multiplying both numbers by 10.
9.072 x 10 = 90.72
3.6 x 10 = 36
The new problem is 90.72 ÷ 36
Divide 90.72 by 36
36 goes into 90 two times (36 x 2 = 72). Subtract 18 remains.
Bring down 7, making 187. 36 goes into 187 five times (36 x 5 = 180). Subtract 7 remains
Bring down 2, making 72. 36 goes into 72 two times (36 x 2 = 72).
The final answer is 2.52
Divide 12.8 ÷ 4
3.2
Set up a long division: 12.8 ÷ 4
Place the decimal point in the quotient above the dividend's decimal point
Divide 12 ÷ 4 = 3
Bring down 8, then 8 ÷ 4 = 2
The quotient is 3.2
Divide 15.12 ÷ 2.4
6.3
Multiply both by 10 to make the divisor a whole number: 15.12 × 10 = 151.2, 2.4 × 10 = 24.
Divide 151.2 ÷ 24 using long division.
151 ÷ 24 = 6 (144), subtract 7, bring down 2, 72 ÷ 24 = 3.
Place the decimal point: 6.3.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.