Division

Division and multiplication undo each other: 3 × 4 = 12, so 12 ÷ 3 = 4 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3. For positive whole numbers, repeated subtraction is another way to see how many groups fit.

Related Topics

• Long Division using 1 Number
• How to Divide Polynomials?
• How to Divide Rational Expressions?
• How to Divide Mixed Numbers?

Division Symbol

The division is represented by a numerical symbol consisting of a small horizontal line that has a dot above and below the line. There are (2) standard division symbols which denote the division of (2) numbers. These are (÷) and (/).

Dividend, divisor, quotient and remainder

Each of the parts concerned in a division equation has a unique name.

Dividend (÷) divisor (=) quotient

Dividend: Dividend is the figure being divided in the division procedure.

Divisor: The number that the dividend is being divided by is known as the divisor.

Quotient: Quotient is the answer obtained during a division procedure.

Remainder: The value remaining or that’s left out, which isn’t part of a group

Unique facts concerning division

• Whenever you divide a number by (1), the result is always going to be your original digit.
• Division by zero is undefined.
• Any nonzero number divided by itself equals 1. Zero divided by zero is undefined.

Division – Example 1:

Find the missing number.

115 ÷ ____ = 5

Solution:

The inverse operation of multiplication is division. Because (5) multiplied by (23) equals (115), then (115) divided by (5) equals (23).

Division – Example 2:

Lisa wants to buy (32) candles for a party. If there are (4) candles in each pack, how many packs of candles should she buy?

Solution:

In this question, the candles are in packs of (4). So by dividing (32) by (4), we can find the number of packs that Lisa needs to buy. So, 32 ÷ 4 = 8

Exercises for Division

Solve

1. 64 ÷ 8
2. 72 ÷ 18
3. 99 ÷ 11
4. 124 ÷ 4

1. 8
2. 4
3. 9
4. 31

Further reading: OpenStax on whole-number division.