Dividing Decimals

When dividing decimals with hundredths, always line up the decimal points of the divisor and dividend first. The decimal point in your answer (quotient) stays aligned with the dividend's decimal point. For example, when you calculate 0.75 ÷ 0.25, you'll get 3.0.

Sometimes division doesn't come out evenly. In these cases, you can add zeros after the decimal point in the dividend and continue dividing. This helps you find the complete decimal answer. For example, 1.35 ÷ 0.45 equals 3.

For longer decimal division problems, use long division. Set up the problem with the decimal point in the right place in your quotient. Then just follow the usual long division steps like you would with whole numbers. Try 2.16 ÷ 0.12, which equals 18.

Quick Tip: When dividing by a multi-digit decimal, make the divisor a whole number by moving the decimal point to the right. Just remember to move the decimal in the dividend the same number of places! For example, to solve 3.5 ÷ 0.7, convert it to 35 ÷ 7 = 5.