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E.5 Divide whole numbers by 1-digit numbers: word problems

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What does it mean to divide whole numbers?

Division is a way to share or separate a total into equal parts. When you divide, you find out how many groups you can make or how many items go in each group.

Example:
  • If 24 students are divided into 4 equal teams, each team will have 6 students because 24 ÷ 4 = 6.
Note

Division is the opposite of multiplication. You can always check your answer by multiplying the quotient by the divisor.

Understanding the parts of a division problem

A division problem has three main parts: the dividend, the divisor, and the quotient.

Example:
  • In 35 ÷ 5 = 7:
    • 35 is the dividend (the total amount being divided).
    • 5 is the divisor (the number of groups or the size of each group).
    • 7 is the quotient (the result of the division).
Note

When dividing, always make sure the divisor is not zero. Division by zero is not possible.

How to divide whole numbers by 1-digit numbers

To divide a larger number by a 1-digit number, use long division. Work from left to right, dividing each place value step by step.

Example:
  • Divide 96 ÷ 3
    • Step 1: 9 ÷ 3 = 3
    • Step 2: Bring down the 6
    • Step 3: 6 ÷ 3 = 2
    • Answer: 96 ÷ 3 = 32
Note

Always check your answer by multiplying: 32 × 3 = 96. If the product matches the dividend, your division is correct.

Solving division word problems

Word problems help you understand how division is used in real life. To solve them, identify what is being shared or grouped and what you need to find.

Example:
  • There are 56 apples. If they are packed equally into 8 baskets, how many apples are in each basket?
  • Think: 56 ÷ 8 = 7
  • Each basket has 7 apples.
Note

When reading a word problem, look for keywords such as shared equally, each, or groups of to know when to divide.

Division with remainders

Sometimes a number cannot be divided evenly. The amount left over is called the remainder.

Example:
  • Divide 22 ÷ 5
  • 5 goes into 22 four times (5 × 4 = 20), with 2 left over.
  • So, 22 ÷ 5 = 4 R 2
Note

In some word problems, the remainder may need to be used, rounded, or ignored—depending on what the question asks.

Checking your answers

After dividing, you can check your answer by multiplying the quotient by the divisor and adding any remainder. The result should match the dividend.

Example:
  • 48 ÷ 6 = 8
  • Check: 8 × 6 = 48
  • Your division is correct.
Note

Checking your work helps you find mistakes and build confidence in your answers.