This document provides steps for dividing decimals. It explains that to divide decimals, you first make the divisor a whole number by moving the decimal point to the right in the divisor. You then move the decimal point the same number of places in the dividend. You divide as usual, keeping the decimal points lined up, and place the decimal point in the quotient above the decimal point in the dividend. Examples are provided to demonstrate the process.

1. Dividing Decimals

2. Follow these steps and you will
be great at dividing decimals!
Remember: Whatever you do
OUTSIDE – do the same also
INSIDE

3. Division Vocabulary
64
.
12
2
.
“Inside”
Dividend
“Outside”
Divisor
“Roof”
Quotient

4. Division Vocabulary
64
.
12
2
.
12.64 ÷ .2
12.64 divided by .2

5. Steps in Dividing Decimals
1.Make the divisor (outside number) a whole number
by moving (swingin’) the decimal to the right as
many places as it takes to make it a WHOLE
NUMBER.
2.Whatever you do outside (how far it swings), should
be done on the inside also.

6. 64
.
12
2
.
Divisor
Moved (swung)
the decimal point
1 place to the
right

7. Steps in Dividing Decimals
2. Move (swing) the decimal point in the dividend the same
number of places as the divisor.
64
.
12
2
. Dividend
Moved (swung)
the decimal point
1 place to the
right

8. Steps in Dividing Decimals
64
.
12
2
.

9. Steps in Dividing Decimals
64
.
12
2
.
3. Place (swing) the decimal point in the answer (quotient)
lined up with the decimal point in the dividend (on the roof).

10. Steps in Dividing Decimals
4. Now, divide as usual!
4
.
126
2

11. Steps in Dividing Decimals
4. Divide the numbers. Make sure the decimal point stays
lined up.
4
.
126
2
6
12
6
2
6
4
3

12. What is actually happening . . .
 When you move
the decimal one
place to the right to
create a WHOLE
number – you are
actually multiplying
it by 10!
 When you move
the decimal two
places to the right
to create a WHOLE
number – you are
actually multiplying
it by 100!
 Three?

13. Remember: The more neatly
you write and keep the numbers
lined up, the BETTER!
Let’s Practice

14. Your Turn - Practice
1) 14.2 ÷ 0.2 =
2) 25.5 ÷ 1.5 =