Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers
Dividing decimals by whole numbers is a Grade 6 math skill in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, Chapter 2: Fractions and Decimals. Students perform long division with decimal dividends, placing the decimal point in the quotient directly above its position in the dividend, then dividing as with whole numbers.
Key Concepts
When dividing a decimal by a whole number, place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend, then divide as with whole numbers: $\frac{a.bc}{d} = e.fg$ where the decimal point position is preserved.
Common Questions
How do you divide a decimal by a whole number?
Set up long division as usual. Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend, then divide the digits as if they were whole numbers. For example, 8.4 / 4 = 2.1.
Where does the decimal go when dividing decimals?
The decimal point in the quotient is placed directly above the decimal point in the dividend. This ensures the decimal place values are correctly preserved throughout the division.
What is an example of dividing a decimal by a whole number?
To find 14.6 / 2: place the decimal in the quotient above the dividend decimal, then divide 14 by 2 to get 7, and 6 by 2 to get 3 — result is 7.3. Check by multiplying: 7.3 x 2 = 14.6.
Where is dividing decimals taught in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1?
Dividing decimals by whole numbers is covered in Chapter 2: Fractions and Decimals of Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, the Grade 6 math textbook.