Dividing Decimals

The process of dividing decimals is similar to the process of dividing whole numbers using long division. What differentiates these processes is how the decimal point is placed when dividing decimals. Consider dividing the following decimal numbers. 58.46 ÷ 3.7 The following steps can be followed to divide the decimals.

1

Multiply the Divisor and the Dividend by the Same Power of 10

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When dividing decimals, the divisor is changed to a whole number. This requires multiplying the divisor and the dividend by the same power of 10. First, write the division using long division notation. The dividend is 58.46 and the divisor is 3.7.

In this case, the divisor must be multiplied by 10^1 so that the decimal point moves to the right and the divisor becomes a whole number. The dividend is also multiplied by the same power of 10.

2

Divide in the Same Way as Dividing Whole Numbers

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Start by dividing the whole number part of the dividend by the divisor.

3

Place the Decimal Point and Continue the Division

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Now place the decimal point in the quotient above the decimal point in the dividend. Then bring down the digit in the tenths place and continue dividing as usual.

The quotient of 58.46 and 3.7 is 15.8.