1/15
00:00

T.12 Divide by 12: quotients up to 12

Loading questions...

What is division by 12?

Dividing by 12 means splitting a whole into 12 equal parts, or finding how many groups of 12 are in a number. The answer is called the quotient.

Examples:
  • If you have 24 cookies and put them into bags of 12, you can make 2 bags. (24 ÷ 12 = 2)
  • If you have 36 inches, that is equal to 3 feet, because there are 12 inches in one foot. (36 ÷ 12 = 3)
Note

Division is the inverse, or opposite, operation of multiplication. If you know your 12s multiplication facts, you can use them to solve division problems.

The division facts for 12

Knowing all the division facts where 12 is the divisor helps you solve problems quickly and accurately. These facts come from the multiplication table for 12.

Division facts table for 12:
  • 12 ÷ 12 = 1
  • 24 ÷ 12 = 2
  • 36 ÷ 12 = 3
  • 48 ÷ 12 = 4
  • 60 ÷ 12 = 5
  • 72 ÷ 12 = 6
  • 84 ÷ 12 = 7
  • 96 ÷ 12 = 8
  • 108 ÷ 12 = 9
  • 120 ÷ 12 = 10
  • 132 ÷ 12 = 11
  • 144 ÷ 12 = 12
Note

A helpful pattern: The quotients go from 1 to 12 in order. The dividend increases by 12 each time. This pattern can help you memorize the facts.

How to solve division by 12 problems

You can find the quotient by thinking of a related multiplication fact, using repeated subtraction, or by using the pattern of multiples.

Methods:
  • Think Multiplication: To solve 108 ÷ 12, ask yourself "What number times 12 equals 108?" (9 × 12 = 108, so the quotient is 9).
  • Use Repeated Subtraction: To solve 60 ÷ 12, subtract 12 from 60 until you reach 0: 60 - 12 = 48 (1 time), 48 - 12 = 36 (2 times)... You will subtract 12 a total of 5 times. So, 60 ÷ 12 = 5.
Note

The "Think Multiplication" method is often the fastest and most reliable once you know your multiplication facts well.

Applying division by 12 in real situations

We often divide by 12 in everyday life, especially when measuring things like time, length, and quantities.

Examples:
  • Time:There are 12 months in a year. How many years are in 84 months? 84 ÷ 12 = 7 years.
  • Measurement: There are 12 inches in a foot. If a board is 96 inches long, it is 96 ÷ 12 = 8 feet long.
  • Grouping: A baker puts donuts in boxes of 12. How many boxes can be filled with 132 donuts? 132 ÷ 12 = 11 boxes.
Note

Always check if the problem is asking "how many groups of 12" or "how much is in one of twelve equal parts." Both are division by 12.