We want to divide two decimal numbers. The calculations are easier if we multiply the divisor and the dividend by the same power of 10 so that the divisor is a whole number. In this case, we will multiply by 10.
- 6.8* 10 &= - 68
- 3.6* 10 &= - 36This means that - 6.8Ă· (- 3.6) is the same as - 68Ă· (- 36). Next, recall that when dividing real numbers, the quotient will be positive if the signs are the same and it will be negative if the signs are different.
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Same Sign & Different Signs
(+)Ă· (+)=(+) & (+)Ă· (-)=(-)
(-)Ă· (-)=(+) & (-)Ă· (+)=(-)
In our case both numbers are negative, so the quotient will be positive.
- 68Ă· (- 36)=68Ă· 36
Let's find the quotient! We will divide, multiply, subtract, and compare as many times as we need.
We found a pattern in the given quotient!
68Ă· 36 = 1.8888...
We can write this repeating pattern as 1.8.
68Ă· 36 = 1.8
Since 68Ă· 36=1.8, we know that 6.8Ă· 3.6=1.8. This means that - 6.8Ă· (- 3.6)=1.8.
