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

Step one in dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity is to arrange the issue accurately. Write the small quantity because the numerator and the massive quantity because the denominator. For instance, if you wish to divide 12 by 24, you’d write it as 12 ÷ 24. After getting arrange the issue accurately, 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 outcome from the numerator. In our instance, this might be 2 × 0, which equals 0. We then subtract 0 from 12, which supplies us 12. Convey 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 might then write the 6 above the numerator and the rest could be 0.

Divide Utilizing Lengthy Division

Lengthy division is a technique for dividing massive numbers by smaller numbers. It entails repeated subtraction and multiplication to step by step scale back the dividend (the quantity being divided) till there isn’t a the rest or the rest is smaller than the divisor (the quantity dividing into the dividend).

Listed below 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 obligatory, 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 seek 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 outcome from the primary a part of the dividend. Convey 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 needs to be smaller than the divisor.

Step 5: Examine Your Reply

To examine your reply, multiply the quotient by the divisor and add the rest. The outcome needs to be the identical as the unique dividend.

Estimate the Quotient

When dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity, the quotient (the reply) shall 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 provides you with an estimate of the quotient.

For instance, to illustrate we wish to divide 12 by 100. The primary digit of 12 is 1 and the primary digit of 100 is 1. Dividing 1 by 1 provides us 1, so we estimate that the quotient shall be round 1.

This estimate can be utilized to examine your reply while you truly carry out the division. In case your reply is considerably totally different from the estimate, you could 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 a protracted division format. For instance, if we’re dividing 12345 by 678, we might write it as follows:

12345 | 678

Step 2: Discover the primary partial quotient

The subsequent step is to seek out the primary partial quotient. That is the most important 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 most important 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 outcome from the dividend

The subsequent step is to multiply the divisor by the partial quotient and subtract the outcome from the dividend. In our instance, we might multiply 678 by 0 and subtract the outcome (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 might discover the following partial quotient, multiply the divisor by the partial quotient, and subtract the outcome from the dividend. We might then proceed this course of till the dividend is zero. The ultimate outcome 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 measurement. For instance, to transform 5 to a fraction with a denominator of 100, we might 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 how you can convert small numbers to fractions with totally 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

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

  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 outcome (0) above the dividend.
  4. 100 | 5.00
         0
    
  5. Multiply the divisor by the quotient (0) and write the outcome (0) under the dividend.
  6. 100 | 5.00
         0
         0
    
  7. Subtract the outcome from the dividend to get a the rest of 5.00.
  8. 100 | 5.00
         0
         0
         5.00
    
  9. Convey down the following digit of the dividend (0) and repeat steps 2-4 till there are not any extra digits to carry 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 kind.

Use a Calculator

If in case you have a calculator, dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity is straightforward. 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’d 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 even use a calculator to divide a decimal quantity by a complete quantity. For instance, if you wish to divide 1.2 by 3, you’d 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

Remedy Phrase Issues

Division phrase issues usually contain real-world situations the place you have to divide a amount into equal elements or discover the variety of instances one amount is contained inside one other. To unravel these issues, observe these steps:

  1. Learn the issue fastidiously to establish the knowledge given.
  2. Decide what you have to discover, often represented by the unknown amount (e.g., “What number of luggage?” or “What’s the size?”).
  3. Arrange a division equation utilizing the given data and the unknown amount.
  4. Remedy the equation by dividing the dividend by the divisor to seek out the unknown amount.
  5. Examine your reply by substituting it again into the unique downside and verifying if it is sensible.

Instance 1: Dividing Sweet Evenly

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

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

    Instance 2: Discovering the Size of Fence

    If in case you have 120 ft of fence and wish 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 ft / 4 = 30 ft
    4. Reply: 30 ft per aspect

      Instance 3: Calculating Distance Traveled

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

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

        Examine Your Reply

        After getting discovered a quantity that provides you your denominator, multiply that quantity by your numerator to double examine your reply. If the reply matches your dividend, then you could have efficiently divided the small quantity by the massive quantity. If not, then you will have to strive once more.

        8. Divide 12 by 19,291

        To unravel this downside, arrange your lengthy division such as you would when dividing 12 by 192. Then, to seek out the primary digit of your reply, you multiply 192 by X. As x goes up, so will the results of 192 x. Once you get to 192 multiplied by 10, you realize that 19200 is simply too excessive (19200 > 12), whereas 192 multiplied by 9 is simply too low (192 x 9 = 17280 < 12). Subsequently, the reply is 192 x 9 = 17280. Subtract 17,280 from 12,000 to get 4800. Convey 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

        Frequent 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 susceptible 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 (÷) isn’t the identical as a fraction bar. When dividing a quantity, write it as a numerator and denominator in fraction kind 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 needs to 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 realize 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) ends in undefined. It’s because any quantity multiplied by zero is zero, so there isn’t a quantity that may be multiplied by zero to get a non-zero outcome.

        7. Dividing a Optimistic Quantity by a Detrimental Quantity

        Dividing a optimistic quantity by a unfavorable quantity ends in a unfavorable quotient. Equally, dividing a unfavorable quantity by a optimistic quantity ends in a optimistic quotient.

        8. Signal Errors in Remainders

        When the dividend and divisor have totally different indicators, the signal of the rest would be the identical 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 needs to 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 comparable 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 putting the decimal level when dividing decimals Dividing 0.5 by 5 and putting 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 Detrimental Quantity Incorrect signal of the quotient when dividing a optimistic quantity by a unfavorable 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 totally 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

        Follow Makes Good

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

        10. Division Algorithm and Lengthy Division Course of

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

        1. Divide the dividend (the small quantity) by the divisor (the massive quantity) till the quotient (the outcome) 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 supplied 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 Large Quantity

        When dividing a small quantity by a giant quantity, it is necessary to do not forget that the quotient (the reply) shall be a small quantity as effectively. To carry out this division, you should use the next steps:

        1. Arrange the division downside with the dividend (the small quantity) on prime and the divisor (the massive 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 entire quantity.
        3. Multiply the outcome by the divisor and subtract it from the dividend. Convey down the following digit of the dividend.
        4. Repeat steps 2 and three till you could have introduced down all of the digits of the dividend.
        5. The quotient is the quantity you could have been writing above the dividend.

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

        “`
        12 ÷ 100
        “`

        Then, you’d 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’d multiply the outcome (0) by the divisor (100) and subtract it from the dividend (12). This provides you 12.

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

        You’ll then carry 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 blended quantity by a complete quantity?

        To divide a blended quantity by a complete quantity, you may first convert the blended 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 proper by the identical variety of locations as there are zeros within the divisor (the quantity dividing into the dividend). Then, divide as standard.