Division

5 minQuiz at the end

What is Division?

Division splits a number into equal groups. It is the inverse (opposite) of multiplication.

12 Γ· 4 = 3 means: 12 split into 4 equal groups = 3 in each group.

Symbol: Γ· | Key terms: dividend Γ· divisor = quotient (remainder)

Division Facts

Use your times tables in reverse:

  • 7 Γ— 8 = 56 β†’ 56 Γ· 7 = 8

Short Division (Bus Stop Method)

      5 8
   -------
 6 ) 3 4 8
     3 0↓
     ----
       4 8
       4 8
       ---
         0

348 Γ· 6 = 58

Long Division

Used for larger divisors (e.g., dividing by 2-digit numbers). Work through D-M-S-B steps: Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down.

Remainders

When a number doesn't divide evenly, the leftover is the remainder:

  • 29 Γ· 6 = 4 remainder 5 (because 6 Γ— 4 = 24, and 29 - 24 = 5)

Rules

  • Any number Γ· 1 = itself: 15 Γ· 1 = 15
  • Any number Γ· itself = 1: 7 Γ· 7 = 1
  • 0 Γ· any number = 0: 0 Γ· 9 = 0
  • Dividing by 0 is undefined