R3 · Lesson 4: Divide Decimals

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Why this matters for Grade 6: Grade 6 requires fluency dividing multi-digit decimals (6.NS.3). You use this skill to find unit rates, split bills, and convert measurements. The process is just long division with the decimal point tracked carefully.

Learn It

Decimal ÷ Whole Number

To divide a decimal by a whole number:

Place the decimal point in the quotient (answer) directly above the decimal point in the dividend.
Divide as you would with whole numbers, column by column.

Example 1: 4.8 ÷ 4

1.2
4 ) 4.8
   4↓
    8
    8
    0

4 ÷ 4 = 1. Bring down 8. 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Answer: 1.2

Example 2: 7.5 ÷ 5
5 goes into 7 once (1), remainder 2. Bring down 5 → 25. 25 ÷ 5 = 5. Answer: 1.5

Example 3: 6.4 ÷ 2
6 ÷ 2 = 3. Bring down 4. 4 ÷ 2 = 2. Answer: 3.2

Try It · Guided

Work These Together

1. Four friends split a $9.60 pizza bill equally. How much does each person pay?

Hint

9.60 ÷ 4. 9 ÷ 4 = 2 remainder 1. Bring down 6 → 16. 16 ÷ 4 = 4. Bring down 0 → 0. Answer = 2.40.

2. Calculate: 4.8 ÷ 4

Hint

Place decimal above the decimal in 4.8. 4 ÷ 4 = 1. Bring down 8. 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Answer: 1.2.

Practice · On Your Own

You Try

3. Calculate: 7.5 ÷ 5

Hint

7 ÷ 5 = 1 remainder 2. Bring down 5 → 25. 25 ÷ 5 = 5. Answer: 1.5.

4. Calculate: 6.4 ÷ 2

Hint

6 ÷ 2 = 3. Bring down 4. 4 ÷ 2 = 2. Answer: 3.2.

5. Three students equally share the cost of art supplies that total $8.10. How much does each student pay?

Hint

8.10 ÷ 3. 8 ÷ 3 = 2 remainder 2. Bring down 1 → 21. 21 ÷ 3 = 7. Bring down 0. Answer: 2.70.

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Exit Ticket

Show What You Know

6. Which of these correctly shows how to begin dividing 5.6 ÷ 4?

Hint

For decimal ÷ whole number, keep the decimal point aligned. Place it in the answer above the decimal in 5.6, then divide 5 ÷ 4.

7. Calculate: 5.6 ÷ 4

Hint

5 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 1. Bring down 6 → 16. 16 ÷ 4 = 4. Answer: 1.4.

← Lesson 3: Multiply Decimals Next: Fractions ↔ Decimals ↔ Percents →