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L.1 Division patterns with place value

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What are division patterns with place value?

Division patterns with place value help us divide larger numbers by using what we already know about smaller facts. Place value shows how digits get 10 times bigger when we move to the left and 10 times smaller when we move to the right.

Examples:
  • 18 ÷ 9 = 2
  • 180 ÷ 9 = 20
  • 1,800 ÷ 9 = 200
Note

Patterns in division come from place value. If the dividend (the number being divided) is 10 times larger, the quotient (answer) will also be 10 times larger.

How do we identify division patterns?

Look for how the numbers are related by powers of ten. Multiplying or dividing the dividend by 10, 100, or 1,000 changes the quotient the same way.

Steps:
  • Start with a fact you know: 18 ÷ 3 = 6
  • If the dividend becomes 10 times greater: 180 ÷ 3 = 60
  • If it becomes 100 times greater: 1,800 ÷ 3 = 600
Note

Check that the divisor stays the same. Only the dividend is changing by place value.

Common division patterns you should know

Here are useful patterns to remember when dividing numbers that grow by tens, hundreds, or thousands:

Division Pattern List:
  • 12 ÷ 4 = 3 → 120 ÷ 4 = 30 → 1,200 ÷ 4 = 300
  • 15 ÷ 5 = 3 → 150 ÷ 5 = 30 → 1,500 ÷ 5 = 300
  • 24 ÷ 6 = 4 → 240 ÷ 6 = 40 → 2,400 ÷ 6 = 400
Note

When the dividend increases by a factor of 10, 100, or 1,000, the quotient increases the same way. The divisor does not change.

Using division patterns in real problems

Applying patterns helps solve larger problems quickly without writing out long division every time.

Examples:
  • “18 ÷ 9 = 2” → So “180 ÷ 9 = 20”
  • “6 ÷ 3 = 2” → So “6,000 ÷ 3 = 2,000”
  • “45 ÷ 5 = 9” → So “4,500 ÷ 5 = 900”
Note

Always line up the place value. Think about how many tens, hundreds, or thousands you are working with.