Dividing Decimals Using the Standard Algorithm
To divide a decimal using the standard algorithm, place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend, then divide as with whole numbers, annexing zeros if needed to continue dividing. This Grade 5 math skill from Eureka Math Chapter 13 covers partial quotients and multi-digit decimal division.
Key Concepts
To divide a decimal dividend by a whole number divisor, place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend. Then, perform the division as you would with whole numbers.
Common Questions
Where do you place the decimal point when dividing decimals?
Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend before beginning the division, then proceed with long division as you would for whole numbers.
What do you do if you have a remainder in decimal division?
Annex a zero to the right of the last digit in the dividend and continue dividing, repeating as needed until the remainder is zero or you reach the required decimal precision.
What is an example of dividing 8.64 by 32?
Place the decimal point in the quotient above the decimal in 8.64, then divide: 32 goes into 86 twice (64), and 32 goes into 224 seven times (224), giving a quotient of 0.27.
What is the difference between dividing a decimal by a whole number and whole number division?
The process is identical except for placing the decimal point in the quotient before starting; all the steps of estimating, multiplying, and subtracting remain the same.