Unit 1 · Standard 6.NS.3
Divide Decimals
Key Vocabulary Level 1 support
Picture first, then the word, then a plain-language meaning. Say each word out loud.
In 8.4 ÷ 2.1 = 4, the dividend is 8.4 — it is the total being split
Dividend
The number you are splitting up in a division problem.
In 8.4 ÷ 2.1 = 4, the divisor is 2.1 — it is the size of each group
Divisor
The number you split by in a division problem.
In 8.4 ÷ 2.1 = 4, the quotient is 4 — there are 4 groups
Quotient
The answer when you divide.
8.4 ÷ 2.1 → multiply both by 10 → 84 ÷ 21 = 4
Decimal division
Dividing with decimals. First make the number you divide by a whole number.
7.56 ÷ 0.12 = 756 ÷ 12 = 63 (both multiplied by 100)
Equivalent division
Multiplying both numbers by 10 or 100 gives the same answer.
Key Ideas & Notes
- The space station has 18.9 kilograms of a rare mineral sample that must be divided equally among 6.3-kilogram storage pods.
- How many pods can be completely filled?
- Complete the table. Rewrite each decimal division as a whole-number division by multiplying both the dividend and divisor by 10 (or 100), then solve.
Think About It
- What total amount is being divided?
- What is the size of each pod?
- How do you divide when the divisor is a decimal?
My Notes
Guided Examples
Example 1
What is 14.4 ÷ 1.2?
Solution: Multiply both by 10: 144 ÷ 12 = 12.
Answer: A. 12
Example 2
What is 3.78 ÷ 0.6?
Solution: Multiply both by 10: 37.8 ÷ 6 = 6.3.
Answer: A. 6.3
Example 3
What is 8.4 ÷ 0.7?
Solution: 8.4 ÷ 0.7 = 84 ÷ 7 = 12.
Answer: A. 12
Write About the Math The Writing Revolution
I can explain my work using the words dividend, divisor, quotient, and equivalent division.
1. Kernel Sentence subject + verb
Model: Decimal division is dividing with decimals. First make the number you divide by a whole number.División decimal es dividir con decimales. Primero haz entero el número entre el que divides.
Write a kernel sentence about decimal division. Use a subject and a verb.Escribe una oración base sobre división decimal. Usa un sujeto y un verbo.
2. Sentence Expansion because · but · so
Kernel: Decimal division matters in mathDivisión decimal importa en matemáticas
Expand the kernel three ways. Add a reason, a contrast, and a result.
Decimal division matters in math because ___.División decimal importa en matemáticas porque ___.
Decimal division matters in math, but ___.División decimal importa en matemáticas, pero ___.
Decimal division matters in math, so ___.División decimal importa en matemáticas, entonces ___.
3. Sentence Types 4 ways to write a math idea
Tell one true fact about decimal division.Di un hecho verdadero sobre decimal division.
Decimal division ___.
Ask a question about decimal division.Haz una pregunta sobre decimal division.
How does ___ ?¿Cómo ___ ?
Show excitement about decimal division.Muestra entusiasmo sobre decimal division.
Wow, ___ !¡Guau, ___ !
Tell a partner what to do with decimal division.Dile a un compañero qué hacer con decimal division.
First, ___ .Primero, ___ .
4. Explain Your Reasoning use a sentence starter
First I moved the decimal because ___.Primero moví el decimal porque ___.
The quotient is ___.El cociente es ___.
I would use this to ___.Usaría esto para ___.
Try It
Solve on your own. Check the answer key when you are done.
1. What is 15.6 ÷ 1.3?
- 12
- 1.2
- 120
- 13
2. A ribbon is 16.8 feet long. You cut it into pieces that are each 2.4 feet long. How many pieces do you get?
- 7 pieces
- 8 pieces
- 6 pieces
- 14.4 pieces
Stretch Your Thinking Level 2 enrichment
Challenge task — explain your reasoning in full sentences.
A gas station sells fuel at $3.45 per gallon. A customer pays $27.60 total. How many gallons did the customer buy? Set up the decimal division, show how to convert it to whole-number division, and solve.
Sentence starter: The equation is $27.60 ÷ $3.45 = ___. I multiply both by ___ to get ___ ÷ ___ = ___ gallons.
Reflect — Exit Ticket
What is 19.2 ÷ 0.8?
- 24
- 2.4
- 240
- 0.24
Answer Key & Teacher Guide
- Try It 1: A. 12 — Multiply both by 10: 156 ÷ 13 = 12.
- Try It 2: A. 7 pieces — 16.8 ÷ 2.4: multiply both by 10 → 168 ÷ 24 = 7 pieces.
- Exit Ticket: A. 24 — Multiply both by 10: 192 ÷ 8 = 24.
Writing (TWR) — what to look for
- Kernel sentence: A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb. Example: Decimal division is dividing with decimals. First make the number you divide by a whole number.
- Expansion: because gives a reason, but shows a contrast or exception, so shows a result. Answers vary; each must keep the kernel idea and add the correct kind of detail.
- Sentence types: Statement ends with a period, question with "?", exclamation with "!", and a command starts with an action verb (a "bossy" verb).