Division is splitting a total number of items into equal groups. When we divide by 7, we are finding out how many groups of 7 we can make, or how many are in each group if we make 7 groups.
Division is the opposite, or inverse, of multiplication. Knowing your multiplication facts for 7 can help you solve division problems.
To divide by 7 means to repeatedly subtract groups of 7 from a total number until you reach zero, or to share the total equally among 7.
The answer in a division problem is called the quotient. In 42 ÷ 7 = 6, the number 6 is the quotient.
Memorizing the division facts for 7 will help you solve problems quickly and accurately. These facts show the quotients when numbers up to 84 are divided by 7.
Notice the pattern: the quotients (1 through 12) count up by one each time. The dividend (the number being divided) increases by 7 each time.
Once you know the facts, you can use them to solve word problems and check your work using multiplication.
Always ask yourself: “Does my answer make sense?” If you divide a larger number by 7, the quotient should be smaller than the original number.