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E.1 Recognize division patterns with increasing place value

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What are division patterns?

Division patterns show how numbers change when we divide by powers of 10, such as 10, 100, or 1,000. As the divisor increases by a power of ten, the quotient becomes ten times smaller.

Examples:
  • 480 ÷ 10 = 48
  • 480 ÷ 100 = 4.8
  • 480 ÷ 1,000 = 0.48
Note

Each time you divide by 10, the digits move one place to the right, and the number becomes ten times smaller.

How to recognize division patterns

Division patterns follow place value rules. When dividing by powers of ten, digits shift to the right in the place value chart. The number of shifts equals the number of zeros in the divisor.

Steps:
  • Divide 6,000 ÷ 10 → move digits one place right → 600
  • Divide 6,000 ÷ 100 → move digits two places right → 60
  • Divide 6,000 ÷ 1,000 → move digits three places right → 6
Note

Always count the zeros in the divisor to know how many places the digits move. Each zero represents one place to the right.

Understanding the relationship between multiplication and division

Division and multiplication are inverse operations. Knowing one helps you find the other. When dividing by powers of ten, think about how many times ten fits into a number.

Examples:
  • 4,200 ÷ 100 = 42 because 42 × 100 = 4,200
  • 90 ÷ 10 = 9 because 9 × 10 = 90
  • 7,000 ÷ 1,000 = 7 because 7 × 1,000 = 7,000
Note

Checking your answer with multiplication is a reliable way to confirm your division pattern understanding.

Using a place value chart to see division patterns

A place value chart helps you visualize how digits shift when dividing by powers of ten. Each place to the right represents dividing by 10.

Example:
  • Start with 5,000.
  • Divide by 10 → 500 (digits move one place right).
  • Divide by 100 → 50 (digits move two places right).
  • Divide by 1,000 → 5 (digits move three places right).
Note

Using a place value chart reinforces how dividing by powers of ten reduces a number’s value while keeping the digits the same.

Real-world connection

Division patterns appear in real-life situations involving money, measurement, and data. Recognizing how values decrease helps with estimation and problem-solving.

Examples:
  • A $3,000 budget divided among 10 teams → $300 per team.
  • 1,200 milliliters ÷ 100 = 1.2 centiliters.
  • 900 miles ÷ 10 = 90 miles per day.
Note

Recognizing division patterns helps you make quick calculations and reasonable estimates in everyday math situations.