BrightChamps Logo
Login

Summarize this article:

Live Math Learners Count Icon114 Learners

Last updated on August 13, 2025

Properties of Division

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

Division is a fundamental mathematical operation with several unique properties. These properties help students simplify problems related to division. The properties of division include the division of any number by one results in the same number, and division by zero is undefined. These properties help students analyze and solve problems related to fractions, ratios, and proportions. Now let us learn more about the properties of division.

Properties of Division for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What are the Properties of Division?

The properties of division are simple, and they help students understand and work with this mathematical operation. These properties are derived from the principles of arithmetic. There are several properties of division, and some of them are mentioned below: Property 1: Division by One Any number divided by one remains unchanged. Property 2: Division by Itself Any non-zero number divided by itself equals one. Property 3: Division by Zero Division by zero is undefined. Property 4: Distributive Property Division distributes over addition and subtraction under certain conditions. Property 5: Inverse Relationship with Multiplication Division is the inverse operation of multiplication.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks for Properties of Division

Students tend to confuse and make mistakes while learning the properties of division. To avoid such confusion, we can follow these tips and tricks: Division by One: Students should remember that dividing any number by one gives the number itself. To verify this, students can try dividing various numbers by one and observe the results. Division by Zero: Students should remember that dividing any number by zero is undefined and should be avoided in calculations. Inverse Relationship: Students should remember that division undoes multiplication. For example, if a multiplication fact is known, its corresponding division fact can be easily found.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Dividing by Zero

Students should remember that division by zero is undefined and should be avoided in calculations.

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing Division with Subtraction

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Students should know that division and subtraction are different operations. Division involves finding how many times one number is contained within another, whereas subtraction is about finding the difference between numbers.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misapplying the Distributive Property

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Students should practice using the distributive property correctly by ensuring that division is appropriately applied over addition or subtraction.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Forgetting the Inverse Relationship

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Students should remember that division is the inverse of multiplication and use this relationship to check their work.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Ignoring the Identity Property

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Students must remember that any number divided by one remains unchanged and use this property to simplify expressions.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Solved Examples on the Properties of Division

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

If a number is 36 and it is divided by 1, what is the result?

arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"
Hey!

The result is 36.

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

According to the property of division by one, any number divided by one remains unchanged. Hence, 36 ÷ 1 = 36.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

What is the result of 15 divided by 15?

Explanation

The result is 1.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

According to the property of division by itself, any non-zero number divided by itself is 1. Hence, 15 ÷ 15 = 1.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

If a number is divided by zero, what can you conclude?

Explanation

The operation is undefined.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

According to the property of division by zero, any number divided by zero is undefined.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Using the distributive property, calculate (20 + 10) ÷ 5.

Explanation

The result is 6.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

Using the distributive property: (20 + 10) ÷ 5 = 20 ÷ 5 + 10 ÷ 5 = 4 + 2 = 6.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

If 8 multiplied by 3 equals 24, find the result of 24 divided by 8.

Explanation

The result is 3.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

Division is a mathematical operation where one number is divided into equal parts or groups.

1.Can you divide a number by zero?

No, division by zero is undefined in mathematics.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What happens when you divide a number by one?

Dividing a number by one leaves the number unchanged.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.What is the inverse operation of division?

The inverse operation of division is multiplication.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.Can the distributive property apply to division?

Yes, the distributive property can apply to division over addition or subtraction under certain conditions.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Properties of Division

Students tend to get confused when understanding the properties of division, and they tend to make mistakes while solving problems related to these properties. Here are some common mistakes students tend to make and solutions to these common mistakes.

Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

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.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
UAE - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom