Dividing by Decimals: Step-by-Step Guide

This page provides a comprehensive overview of how to divide by decimal numbers ks2, focusing on three key examples that illustrate the process step-by-step. The method involves converting decimal divisions into whole number divisions, making it easier to solve without a calculator.

Highlight: The fundamental strategy for dividing by decimals is to multiply both the dividend and divisor by the same factor (10, 100, or 1000) to eliminate the decimal point in the divisor.

Example 1: 15 ÷ 0.1

To solve this, we multiply both numbers by 10: 15 × 10 = 150 0.1 × 10 = 1

Now we can divide 150 ÷ 1 = 150

Example: 15 ÷ 0.1 = 150

Example 2: 16.25 ÷ 0.05

For this problem, we multiply both numbers by 100: 16.25 × 100 = 1625 0.05 × 100 = 5

Now we can use the bus stop method with decimals to divide 1625 ÷ 5 = 325

Example: 16.25 ÷ 0.05 = 325

Example 3: 234.5 ÷ 0.05

Again, we multiply both numbers by 100: 234.5 × 100 = 23450 0.05 × 100 = 5

Using the bus stop method, we divide 23450 ÷ 5 = 4690

Example: 234.5 ÷ 0.05 = 4690

Vocabulary: Bus stop method - A visual method for long division where numbers are arranged like passengers waiting at a bus stop.

The page concludes with a summary of the two main steps for dividing decimals without a calculator:

1. Multiply both numbers by 10, 100, or 1000 to convert the division into whole numbers.
2. Use the bus stop method to perform the division with the new whole numbers.

This approach provides a clear and systematic way to tackle division of decimals by 10, 100 and 1000 and other decimal divisors, making it accessible for KS2 students learning how to divide decimals by whole numbers and other decimal numbers.