Divide Decimals

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Dividing Decimals: Learn

The procedure for the division of decimals is very similar to the division of whole numbers.

To simplify the problem, make the divisor into a whole number by multiplying both it and the dividend by the same number (such as 10, 100, 1000 etc.). An easy way to do this is to move the decimal point to the right end of the divisor and move the decimal point of the dividend the same number of places.

How to divide a four digit decimal number by a two digit decimal number (e.g. 0.4131 ÷ 0.17):

Place the divisor (0.17) before the division bracket and place the dividend (0.4131) under it.

0.17 0 . 4 1 3 1

In this example, the divisor has decimal digits into the hundredths. Multiply both the divisor and dividend by 100 so that the divisor is not a decimal but a whole number. In other words move the decimal point two places to the right in both the divisor and dividend.

17 4 1 . 3 1

Bring the decimal point up directly above where it is in the dividend.

.
17 4 1 . 3 1

Proceed with normal long division, using placeholder zeros as necessary

2 . 4 3
17 4 1 . 3 1
- 3 4
7 3
- 6 8
5 1
- 5 1
0

Divide Decimals: Practice

What is the quotient?

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Round your answer to the nearest thousandth.

÷ =

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