Dividing Decimals Worksheet

Last Updated : 22 Sep, 2024

Dividing decimals involves a process similar to dividing whole numbers, but you need to account for the decimal points. The key is to eliminate the decimals by moving them out of the divisor (the number you're dividing by) and sometimes from the dividend (the number you're dividing) as well.

In this article, we will be going to solve problems based on dividing decimals.

What are Decimals?

A decimal is a way of representing numbers that are not whole, using a decimal point to separate the whole number part from the fractional part. Decimals are based on the number 10, which means each place value after the decimal point represents a fraction of 10, such as tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.

Parts of Decimal

Whole number part: The digits to the left of the decimal point.
Fractional part: The digits to the right of the decimal point, which represent values less than 1.

For example, in the decimal number 12.34:

The whole number part is 12.
The fractional part is 0.34, which is 34/100.

How to Divide Decimals?

Step 1: Make the Divisor a Whole Number

If the divisor (the number you're dividing by) has a decimal point, multiply both the divisor and the dividend (the number being divided) by a power of 10 to eliminate the decimal in the divisor. This involves moving the decimal point to the right.

Step 2: Perform Long Division

After making the divisor a whole number, use long division to divide the numbers as you normally would.

Step 3: Place the Decimal Point in the Quotient

Once you've completed the division, place the decimal point in the quotient (the result of the division) in the same position as it was in the dividend.

Solved Examples on Dividing Decimals

Problem 1: Dividing 24.75 ÷ 1.5.

Solution:

Make the divisor a whole number:

Multiply both 24.75 and 1.5 by 10, so the problem becomes: 247.5 ÷ 15

Perform long division:

Perform the long division 247.5 ÷ 15 ,

Which gives: 16.5

So, 24.75 ÷ 1.5=16.5.

Problem 2: Dividing 0.036 ÷ 0.06.

Solution:

Make the divisor a whole number:

Multiply both numbers by 100 (move the decimal points two places): 3.6 ÷ 6

Perform long division for 3.6 ÷ 6,

Which gives, 0.6.

So, 0.036 ÷ 0.06=0.6.

Problem 3: Dividing 15.6 ÷ 4.

Solution:

No need to adjust the divisor: Since the divisor 4 is already a whole number, you can perform long division directly.

Perform long division:

Divide 15.6 ÷ 4,

Which gives: 3.9

So, 15.6 ÷ 4 = 3.9.

Problem 4: Dividing 7.24 ÷ 0.4.

Solution:

Make the divisor a whole number:
Multiply both numbers by 10: 72.4 ÷ 4
Perform long division:
Divide 72.4 ÷ 4,

Which gives: 18.1
So, 7.24 ÷ 0.4=18.1.