How to Divide a Bigger Number by a Smaller Number
Dividing a bigger number by a smaller number might seem like a straightforward task, but it’s important to understand the process and the underlying concepts to ensure accuracy. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in dividing a larger number by a smaller number and provide some helpful tips to make the process easier.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the actual steps, it’s essential to understand the basic principles of division. Division is the mathematical operation that determines how many times one number (the divisor) can be subtracted from another number (the dividend) without leaving a remainder. When dividing a bigger number by a smaller number, the goal is to find out how many times the smaller number can be subtracted from the bigger number to reach zero.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Identify the dividend and the divisor: The dividend is the larger number, and the divisor is the smaller number.
2. Set up the division problem: Write the dividend above the division symbol and the divisor below it.
3. Divide the first digit of the dividend: Check if the first digit of the dividend is greater than or equal to the divisor. If it is, divide the first digit by the divisor and write the quotient above the division symbol.
4. Multiply and subtract: Multiply the divisor by the quotient obtained in the previous step and subtract the result from the first digit of the dividend.
5. Bring down the next digit: If there are more digits in the dividend, bring down the next digit and repeat steps 3-5 until the entire dividend has been divided.
6. Check for a remainder: If there are no more digits in the dividend and there is still a remainder, express the quotient as a decimal by dividing the remainder by the divisor.
Examples
Let’s consider a few examples to illustrate the process:
Example 1:
Divide 56 by 7.
1. 56 ÷ 7 = 8
2. 7 × 8 = 56
3. 56 – 56 = 0
The quotient is 8, and there is no remainder.
Example 2:
Divide 123 by 5.
1. 123 ÷ 5 = 24
2. 5 × 24 = 120
3. 123 – 120 = 3
The quotient is 24, and the remainder is 3. To express the quotient as a decimal, divide the remainder by the divisor: 3 ÷ 5 = 0.6. The final answer is 24.6.
Conclusion
Dividing a bigger number by a smaller number is a fundamental mathematical operation that can be easily mastered with practice. By following the step-by-step process and understanding the basic principles of division, you’ll be able to divide larger numbers by smaller numbers with confidence.
