15 Easy Steps: How To Divide A Small Number By A Big Number

15 Easy Steps: How To Divide A Small Number By A Big Number

Dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity can look like a frightening process, however with the best method, it may be made a lot less complicated. This text will present a step-by-step information on learn how to divide a small quantity by a giant quantity, breaking down the method into manageable chunks. Whether or not you are a scholar battling lengthy division or an grownup seeking to brush up in your math abilities, this text will offer you the instruments you have to confidently deal with this mathematical operation.

Step one in dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity is to arrange the issue appropriately. Write the small quantity because the numerator and the large quantity because the denominator. For instance, if you wish to divide 12 by 24, you’ll write it as 12 ÷ 24. Upon getting arrange the issue appropriately, you may start the division course of. Begin by dividing the primary digit of the numerator by the primary digit of the denominator. In our instance, this might be 1 ÷ 2, which equals 0. Write the 0 above the numerator.

Subsequent, multiply the denominator by the quotient you simply discovered and subtract the consequence from the numerator. In our instance, this might be 2 × 0, which equals 0. We then subtract 0 from 12, which provides us 12. Deliver down the following digit of the numerator and repeat the method. In our instance, this might be 12 ÷ 2, which equals 6. Write the 6 above the numerator. Proceed this course of till there are not any extra digits left within the numerator. In our instance, this might be 12 ÷ 2, which equals 6. We’d then write the 6 above the numerator and the rest could be 0.

Divide Utilizing Lengthy Division

Lengthy division is a technique for dividing giant numbers by smaller numbers. It entails repeated subtraction and multiplication to steadily cut back the dividend (the quantity being divided) till there is no such thing as a the rest or the rest is smaller than the divisor (the quantity dividing into the dividend).

Listed here are the steps concerned in lengthy division:

Step 1: Set Up the Drawback

Write the dividend and the divisor as a fraction, with the dividend because the numerator and the divisor because the denominator. If vital, multiply or divide each numbers by an element of 10, 100, or 1000 to make the divisor a complete quantity.

Step 2: Discover the First Digit of the Quotient

Divide the primary digit of the dividend by the primary digit of the divisor to search out the primary digit of the quotient. Write the quotient above the dividend, instantly above the digit being divided.

Step 3: Multiply and Subtract

Multiply the divisor by the quotient digit you simply discovered. Subtract the consequence from the primary a part of the dividend. Deliver down the following digit of the dividend.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2-3

Proceed dividing, multiplying, and subtracting till there are not any extra digits within the dividend. If there’s a the rest, it must be smaller than the divisor.

Step 5: Verify Your Reply

To test your reply, multiply the quotient by the divisor and add the rest. The consequence must be the identical as the unique dividend.

Estimate the Quotient

When dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity, the quotient (the reply) will probably be a small quantity. To estimate the quotient, divide the primary digit of the dividend (the quantity you are dividing) by the primary digit of the divisor (the quantity you are dividing by). This offers you an estimate of the quotient.

For instance, as an example we need to divide 12 by 100. The primary digit of 12 is 1 and the primary digit of 100 is 1. Dividing 1 by 1 offers us 1, so we estimate that the quotient will probably be round 1.

This estimate can be utilized to test your reply while you truly carry out the division. In case your reply is considerably completely different from the estimate, you might have made a mistake in your division.

Instance

Let’s divide 12 by 100 utilizing lengthy division:

12
100
__
120
-100
20
-20
0

As you may see, the quotient is 0.12, which is near our estimate of 1.

Use Partial Quotients

Partial quotients is a technique for lengthy division that can be utilized to divide a small quantity by a giant quantity. It’s a systematic course of that may be damaged down right into a sequence of steps.

Step 1: Arrange the issue

Step one is to arrange the issue. This entails writing the dividend (the quantity being divided) and the divisor (the quantity dividing) in an extended division format. For instance, if we’re dividing 12345 by 678, we’d write it as follows:

12345 | 678

Step 2: Discover the primary partial quotient

The following step is to search out the primary partial quotient. That is the biggest digit that may be divided evenly into the primary digit of the dividend. In our instance, the primary digit of the dividend is 1, and the biggest digit that may be divided evenly into 1 is 0. We due to this fact write 0 above the lengthy division downside, as follows:

12345 | 678
0

Step 3: Multiply the divisor by the partial quotient and subtract the consequence from the dividend

The following step is to multiply the divisor by the partial quotient and subtract the consequence from the dividend. In our instance, we’d multiply 678 by 0 and subtract the consequence (which is 0) from the dividend. This leaves us with the next:

12345 | 678
0
12345

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and three till the dividend is zero

We then repeat steps 2 and three till the dividend is zero. In our instance, we’d discover the following partial quotient, multiply the divisor by the partial quotient, and subtract the consequence from the dividend. We’d then proceed this course of till the dividend is zero. The ultimate consequence could be as follows:

12345 | 678
18
0

Convert to Fractions

Changing a small quantity to a fraction with a big denominator is a helpful method for making it simpler to divide. To do that, merely add a decimal level to the small quantity after which add as many zeros as wanted to create a denominator of the specified dimension. For instance, to transform 5 to a fraction with a denominator of 100, we’d write 5.00. Dividing 5.00 by 100 would then be equal to dividing 5 by 100, which is far simpler to calculate.

Here’s a desk exhibiting learn how to convert small numbers to fractions with completely different denominators:

Small Quantity Fraction
5 5.00/100
10 10.00/100
15 15.00/100
20 20.00/100
25 25.00/100

Upon getting transformed the small quantity to a fraction, you may then divide it by the big quantity utilizing the usual division algorithm. For instance, to divide 5 by 100, you’ll:

  1. Arrange the division downside as follows:
  2. 100 | 5.00
    
  3. Divide the primary digit of the dividend (5) by the divisor (100) and write the consequence (0) above the dividend.
  4. 100 | 5.00
         0
    
  5. Multiply the divisor by the quotient (0) and write the consequence (0) under the dividend.
  6. 100 | 5.00
         0
         0
    
  7. Subtract the consequence from the dividend to get a the rest of 5.00.
  8. 100 | 5.00
         0
         0
         5.00
    
  9. Deliver down the following digit of the dividend (0) and repeat steps 2-4 till there are not any extra digits to convey down.
  10. 100 | 5.00
         0
         0
         5.00
         500
    
  11. The ultimate quotient is 0.05, which is equal to five/100 or 0.05 in decimal type.

Use a Calculator

If in case you have a calculator, dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity is simple. Merely enter the dividend (the smaller quantity) and the divisor (the larger quantity) into the calculator, after which press the division key. The calculator will show the quotient (the results of the division).

For instance, if you wish to divide 12 by 3, you’ll enter 12 into the calculator, then press the division key, then enter 3, after which press the equals key. The calculator would show the reply, which is 4.

You can too use a calculator to divide a decimal quantity by a complete quantity. For instance, if you wish to divide 1.2 by 3, you’ll enter 1.2 into the calculator, then press the division key, then enter 3, after which press the equals key. The calculator would show the reply, which is 0.4.

If you wish to divide a complete quantity by a decimal quantity, you may convert the decimal quantity to a fraction after which divide. For instance, if you wish to divide 12 by 0.5, you may convert 0.5 to the fraction 1/2. Then, you may divide 12 by 1/2 by multiplying 12 by the reciprocal of 1/2, which is 2. The reply is 24.

Dividend Divisor Quotient
12 3 4
1.2 3 0.4
12 0.5 24

Clear up Phrase Issues

Division phrase issues usually contain real-world eventualities the place you have to divide a amount into equal elements or discover the variety of occasions one amount is contained inside one other. To resolve these issues, comply with these steps:

  1. Learn the issue rigorously to determine the data given.
  2. Decide what you have to discover, often represented by the unknown amount (e.g., “What number of baggage?” or “What’s the size?”).
  3. Arrange a division equation utilizing the given info and the unknown amount.
  4. Clear up the equation by dividing the dividend by the divisor to search out the unknown amount.
  5. Verify your reply by substituting it again into the unique downside and verifying if it is smart.

Instance 1: Dividing Sweet Evenly

Given 24 items of sweet, what number of baggage are you able to fill if every bag can maintain 3 candies?

  1. Unknown: Variety of baggage
  2. Division equation: Variety of baggage = 24 candies / 3 candies per bag
  3. Fixing: 24 / 3 = 8
  4. Reply: 8 baggage

    Instance 2: Discovering the Size of Fence

    If in case you have 120 toes of fence and need to enclose a sq. space, what’s the size of every aspect of the sq.?

    1. Unknown: Facet size of sq.
    2. Division equation: Perimeter = 4 x Facet size, so Facet size = Perimeter / 4
    3. Fixing: 120 toes / 4 = 30 toes
    4. Reply: 30 toes per aspect

      Instance 3: Calculating Distance Traveled

      A automotive travels 360 miles in 6 hours. What was the automotive’s common pace in miles per hour?

      1. Unknown: Common pace
      2. Division equation: Common pace = Distance / Time
      3. Fixing: 360 miles / 6 hours = 60 miles per hour
      4. Reply: 60 miles per hour

        Verify Your Reply

        Upon getting discovered a quantity that offers you your denominator, multiply that quantity by your numerator to double test your reply. If the reply matches your dividend, then you’ve gotten efficiently divided the small quantity by the large quantity. If not, then you have to to attempt once more.

        8. Divide 12 by 19,291

        To resolve this downside, arrange your lengthy division such as you would when dividing 12 by 192. Then, to search out the primary digit of your reply, you multiply 192 by X. As x goes up, so will the results of 192 x. If you get to 192 multiplied by 10, you recognize that 19200 is just too excessive (19200 > 12), whereas 192 multiplied by 9 is just too low (192 x 9 = 17280 < 12). Subsequently, the reply is 192 x 9 = 17280. Subtract 17,280 from 12,000 to get 4800. Deliver down the following digit 0, then repeat the method till there are not any extra digits in your dividend.

        Setting this all up in lengthy division format ought to provide the following:

        0.0006278
        19,291)12.0000
        115746
        48240
        38582
        96580
        96455
        1250

        Widespread Errors to Keep away from

        1. Avoiding Repeated Subtraction

        When dividing a small quantity by a big quantity, it is tempting to make use of repeated subtraction. This methodology is extremely inefficient and liable to errors. It is higher to make use of the lengthy division methodology as an alternative.

        2. Misplacing the Decimal Level

        Pay shut consideration to the position of the decimal level when dividing a decimal by a complete quantity or one other decimal. Misplacing the decimal can result in incorrect outcomes.

        3. Utilizing a Division Signal as a Fraction Bar

        The division signal (÷) is just not the identical as a fraction bar. When dividing a quantity, write it as a numerator and denominator in fraction type or use the lengthy division methodology.

        4. Forgetting to Embody a The rest

        When dividing a small quantity by a big quantity, there could also be a the rest that’s lower than the divisor. This the rest must be included within the quotient as a decimal or fraction.

        5. Rounding Off Too Early

        When dividing a small quantity by a big quantity, it is necessary to hold out sufficient decimal locations to attain the specified accuracy. Rounding off too early can result in lack of precision.

        6. Dividing Zero by a Quantity

        Dividing zero by any quantity (besides zero) leads to undefined. It is because any quantity multiplied by zero is zero, so there is no such thing as a quantity that may be multiplied by zero to get a non-zero consequence.

        7. Dividing a Optimistic Quantity by a Damaging Quantity

        Dividing a optimistic quantity by a detrimental quantity leads to a detrimental quotient. Equally, dividing a detrimental quantity by a optimistic quantity leads to a optimistic quotient.

        8. Signal Errors in Remainders

        When the dividend and divisor have completely different indicators, the signal of the rest would be the similar because the signal of the dividend.

        9. Misinterpreting Incomplete Quotients

        Incomplete quotients can happen when the divisor is considerably bigger than the dividend. In such instances, the quotient must be interpreted as an approximation of the true quotient. To acquire a extra correct quotient, it’s a necessity to hold out extra decimal locations or use various strategies akin to a calculator or laptop software program.

        Mistake Description Instance
        Avoiding Repeated Subtraction Utilizing repeated subtraction as an alternative of lengthy division Dividing 1 by 100 utilizing repeated subtraction: 1 – 0.01 – 0.001 – 0.0001 – …
        Misplacing the Decimal Level Incorrectly inserting the decimal level when dividing decimals Dividing 0.5 by 5 and inserting the decimal level after the primary digit: 0.10
        Utilizing a Division Signal as a Fraction Bar Treating the division signal as a fraction bar Writing 1 ÷ 2 as 1/2, which is a fraction
        Forgetting to Embody a The rest Omitting the rest when dividing with a decimal divisor Dividing 1 by 3 and ignoring the rest of 1: 0.3
        Rounding Off Too Early Untimely rounding of the quotient Dividing 1 by 7 and rounding to 2 decimal locations: 0.14, as an alternative of 0.1428
        Dividing Zero by a Quantity Making an attempt to divide zero by a non-zero quantity Dividing 0 by 5: undefined
        Dividing a Optimistic Quantity by a Damaging Quantity Incorrect signal of the quotient when dividing a optimistic quantity by a detrimental quantity Dividing 5 by -2: -10, as an alternative of 5
        Signal Errors in Remainders Incorrect signal of the rest when the dividend and divisor have completely different indicators Dividing -5 by 2: -2 the rest 1, as an alternative of -2 the rest -1
        Misinterpreting Incomplete Quotients Mistaking an incomplete quotient for the true quotient Dividing 1 by 1000: 0.001, as an alternative of an approximation like 0.00099

        Apply Makes Excellent

        Dividing small numbers by giant numbers may be difficult, however apply makes excellent. Interact in common apply workouts to enhance your abilities and improve your effectivity in dealing with such calculations. Consecutive apply periods reinforce your understanding and construct confidence in your skills.

        10. Division Algorithm and Lengthy Division Course of

        The division algorithm supplies a scientific method to divide small numbers by giant numbers. It entails the next steps:

        1. Divide the dividend (the small quantity) by the divisor (the big quantity) till the quotient (the consequence) is smaller than the divisor.
        2. Multiply the divisor by the quotient to get the product.
        3. Subtract the product from the dividend to get the rest.
        4. If the rest is zero, the division is full. In any other case, repeat steps 1-3 till the rest is zero or the quotient reaches the specified degree of precision.

        The lengthy division course of is an in depth illustration of the division algorithm. It entails organising the dividend and divisor vertically, performing the division steps (dividing, multiplying, subtracting, and bringing down the following digit), and persevering with till the specified result’s obtained. A step-by-step instance of lengthy division is offered under:

        Instance: Clarification:
        1256 ÷ 7 Dividend (1256) and divisor (7)
        179 R 3 Quotient (179), the rest (3)

        How To Divide A Small Quantity By A Huge Quantity

        When dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity, it is necessary to keep in mind that the quotient (the reply) will probably be a small quantity as properly. To carry out this division, you need to use the next steps:

        1. Arrange the division downside with the dividend (the small quantity) on high and the divisor (the large quantity) on the underside.
        2. Divide the primary digit of the dividend by the divisor. If the result’s a decimal, truncate it to the closest complete quantity.
        3. Multiply the consequence by the divisor and subtract it from the dividend. Deliver down the following digit of the dividend.
        4. Repeat steps 2 and three till you’ve gotten introduced down all of the digits of the dividend.
        5. The quotient is the quantity you’ve gotten been writing above the dividend.

        For instance, to divide 12 by 100, you’ll arrange the issue as follows:

        “`
        12 ÷ 100
        “`

        Then, you’ll divide the primary digit of the dividend (1) by the divisor (100). The result’s 0.01, which you’d truncate to 0.

        “`
        12 ÷ 100 = 0
        “`

        Subsequent, you’ll multiply the consequence (0) by the divisor (100) and subtract it from the dividend (12). This provides you 12.

        “`
        12 – (0 x 100) = 12
        “`

        You’ll then convey down the following digit of the dividend (2) and repeat steps 2 and three.

        “`
        122 ÷ 100 = 0.01
        “`
        “`
        122 – (0 x 100) = 122
        “`
        “`
        1222 ÷ 100 = 0.01
        “`
        “`
        1222 – (0 x 100) = 1222
        “`

        The quotient is 0.012, which you’ll be able to write as 0.012 or 1.2%.

        Individuals additionally ask

        How do you divide a fraction by a complete quantity?

        To divide a fraction by a complete quantity, you may multiply the fraction by the reciprocal of the entire quantity. The reciprocal of a quantity is 1 divided by the quantity.

        How do you divide a combined quantity by a complete quantity?

        To divide a combined quantity by a complete quantity, you may first convert the combined quantity to an improper fraction. An improper fraction is a fraction the place the numerator is bigger than or equal to the denominator.

        How do you divide a decimal by a complete quantity?

        To divide a decimal by a complete quantity, you may transfer the decimal level within the dividend (the quantity being divided) to the best by the identical variety of locations as there are zeros within the divisor (the quantity dividing into the dividend). Then, divide as normal.