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How do you know if a number is divisible by 5?

Published in Divisibility Rules 2 mins read

A number is divisible by 5 if its last digit is either a 0 or a 5. This simple rule, highlighted in the [YouTube video "Divisibility Rule for 5 | Math with Mr. J"](), makes checking for divisibility by 5 very easy.

Divisibility Rule Explained

The divisibility rule for 5 is straightforward and easy to remember:

  • Check the last digit: Look at the ones place of the number.
  • Zero or Five: If the digit is a 0 or a 5, the number is divisible by 5 without any remainder.

Examples of Numbers Divisible by 5

Here are some examples to illustrate the rule:

  • 25: Ends in 5, so it's divisible by 5. (25 / 5 = 5)
  • 100: Ends in 0, so it's divisible by 5. (100 / 5 = 20)
  • 345: Ends in 5, so it's divisible by 5. (345 / 5 = 69)
  • 1280: Ends in 0, so it's divisible by 5. (1280 / 5 = 256)

Examples of Numbers Not Divisible by 5

Here are examples of numbers that are not divisible by 5:

  • 16: Ends in 6, not a 0 or 5, so it's not divisible by 5.
  • 23: Ends in 3, not a 0 or 5, so it's not divisible by 5.
  • 102: Ends in 2, not a 0 or 5, so it's not divisible by 5.
  • 557: Ends in 7, not a 0 or 5, so it's not divisible by 5.

Why This Rule Works

The divisibility rule for 5 works because our number system is based on powers of 10. All numbers can be represented as a sum of multiples of 10 plus a single digit. Since any multiple of 10 is always divisible by 5, whether a number is divisible by 5 depends only on the last digit's divisibility by 5.

Practical Use

This divisibility rule is a quick and easy way to determine whether a number can be divided evenly by 5. It's commonly taught in elementary school and is a helpful tool for quick mental math.

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