1. Divisor (out of the box)
Dividing Decimals
Dividend (in the box)
Find the quotient of 12 ÷ 4
Divisor (out of the box)
quotient 3
Set it up
-12 1 3
Find the quotient of 156 ÷ 12
-12 3 6
-36

2. Dividing a whole number by a whole number
We are able to divide these numbers because the divisors are whole numbers!
divisor
divisor 1 3 3
-12
-12 3 6
-36
Sometimes, we have to do a little more…………………..

3. Dividing a whole number by a DECIMAL
What if the divisor is NOT a whole number??
Example: 156 ÷ 1.2
Set it up
The divisor is NOT a whole number!
We have to change the divisor to a whole number by moving the decimal to the right (which is the same thing as multiplying by a power of 10) (x 10, x 100, x 1000, etc.)
Explain that the decimal is always at the end of a whole number, we just don’t write it! (the decimal is after the WHOLE number)

4. Dividing a whole number by a DECIMAL
Example: 156 ÷ 1.2
We have to change the divisor to a whole number by moving the decimal to the right. • • •
We had to move the decimal 1 place to the right, to make the divisor a whole number
We have to move the decimal the same number of places in the dividend also!
(1 place)
Explain that the decimal is always at the end of a whole number, we just don’t write it! (the decimal is after the WHOLE number)

5. Dividing a whole number by a DECIMAL1 3 •
Bring the decimal straight up to the quotient.
Now, CHECK IT by multiplying!
-12 3 6
130
X 1.2
Now, you are ready to divide!
-3 6
Explain that the decimal is always at the end of a whole number, we just don’t write it! (the decimal is after the WHOLE number)
2 6 0
- 0 •

6. Dividing a DECIMAL by a DECIMAL
Find the quotient 1.56 ÷ 1.2 1 3 •
Bring the decimal straight up to the quotient. • •
Now, CHECK IT by multiplying!
-12 3 6
1.3
X 1.2
Now, you are ready to divide!
-3 6
Explain that the decimal is always at the end of a whole number, we just don’t write it! (the decimal is after the WHOLE number)
2 6
+1 3 0
1 5 6 •
YES!

7. Dividing a DECIMAL by a DECIMAL
Find the quotient 15.6 ÷ .12 1 3 •
Bring the decimal straight up to the quotient. • •
Now, CHECK IT by multiplying!
-12 3 6
Now, you are ready to divide!
130
X .12
-3 6
Explain that the decimal is always at the end of a whole number, we just don’t write it! (the decimal is after the WHOLE number)
260
+1300
-0 0
1560 •
YES!

8. Dividing Decimals
Change the divisor to a whole number by moving the decimal to the right.
Move the decimal the same number of places in the dividend
If you don’t have to move the decimal in the divisor, you don’t move it in the dividend either!
Bring the decimal straight up to the quotient
Divide
Check your solution by multiplying!