How to Divide

Division is the inverse of multiplication. a divided by b equals c is written as $\frac{a}{b}$ = c.

It is denoted by '÷' or '/'. Here, 'a' is called the dividend, 'b' the divisor and 'c' the quotient.

Division operation is performed as explained in the following examples.

a) $\frac{2}{4}$ = $\frac{2}{(2\times2)}$ = $\frac{1}{2}$

b) $\frac{6}{9}$ = $\frac{3\times2}{(3\times3)}$ = $\frac{2}{3}$

c) $\frac{25}{5}$ = $\frac{5\times5}{5}$ = 5

Division of numbers can be done by different types:

1. By single digit
2. By double digit
3. By three digit

Example For Single Digit: Divide the number 3 by 6

$\frac{3}{6}$ = $\frac{1}{2}$

Example For Double Digit: Divide numbers 21 by 28

Given: 21 and 28

$\frac{21}{28}$ = $\frac{7\times3}{(7\times4)}$ = $\frac{3}{4}$ = 0.75.

Example For Three Digit:

Divide numbers 363 by 242 

$\frac{363}{242}$ = $\frac{33\times11}{(22\times11)}$ = $\frac{33}{22}$ = $\frac{3}{2}$

Division of fractions can be done by simplifying the fractions first and then dividing them as explained in the following example.

Example: How to Divide fraction $\frac{3}{4}$ by $\frac{9}{8}$

Given fractions: $\frac{3}{4}$ and $\frac{9}{8}$

$\frac{\frac{3}{4}}{\frac{9}{8}}$ = $\frac{1}{2}$ = 0.5

Decimals can be divided by following the steps given below:

1) Convert the decimal into fractions form
3) Cancel the like terms
4) Represent the answer in fractions or decimals.

Example: Divide the decimals 0.32 and 0.16?

0.32 = $\frac{32}{100}$

0.16 = $\frac{16}{100}$

Division= $\frac{\frac{32}{100}}{\frac{16}{100}}$

= $\frac{32}{16}$ = 2

Polynomial Division is calculated by following the steps given below:

1) Represent the polynomials in division form i.e.numerator and denominator
2) Cancel like terms
3) Then divide similar like fractions.

Example: Divide x³y² by (x3y)

$\frac{x^3 y^2}{x^3 y}$ = y