Dividing a big number by a small number involves determining how many times the small number fits into the big number. This can be done using long division, calculators, or by breaking down the numbers into manageable parts.
Methods for Dividing
Here's a breakdown of how to divide a large number by a smaller one:
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Long Division:
- This is a manual method to divide numbers.
- Set up the long division problem with the big number (dividend) inside the division symbol and the small number (divisor) outside.
- Divide the first digit(s) of the dividend by the divisor. Write the result (quotient) above the dividend.
- Multiply the quotient by the divisor and write the result under the corresponding digits of the dividend.
- Subtract.
- Bring down the next digit of the dividend.
- Repeat until you have processed all digits of the dividend.
- The number remaining after the last subtraction is the remainder.
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Calculator:
- The simplest and fastest method.
- Enter the big number (dividend) into the calculator.
- Press the division symbol (/).
- Enter the small number (divisor).
- Press the equals (=) button to get the quotient.
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Breaking Down Numbers (Estimation):
- Useful for mental math or quick estimates.
- Round the numbers to the nearest tens, hundreds, or thousands to make the division easier.
- Perform the division on the rounded numbers.
- This provides an approximate answer.
Example
Let's divide 120 by 5:
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Long Division: Setting up the long division for 120 divided by 5, we find that 5 goes into 12 twice (2 x 5 = 10). Subtract 10 from 12, leaving 2. Bring down the 0, making it 20. 5 goes into 20 four times (4 x 5 = 20). Subtract 20 from 20, leaving 0. Therefore, 120 / 5 = 24.
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Calculator: Input 120 / 5 into a calculator and the answer will be 24.
Dividing Smaller Numbers From Bigger Numbers
The reference mentions: "We cannot divide a smaller number from a bigger number. So what we have to do is we have to put a 0 after the 2 and we put a decimal right on top. And now we take 20 divided by 12". This suggests a scenario where you might need to add a decimal and zeroes when the division doesn't result in a whole number. This typically occurs when you need to continue the division to find a more precise answer with decimal places.
For example, dividing 2 by 12:
- 12 doesn't go into 2.
- Add a decimal and a zero to 2, making it 2.0.
- 12 goes into 20 once (1 x 12 = 12). Write 0.1 above.
- Subtract 12 from 20, leaving 8.
- Add another zero to 8, making it 80.
- 12 goes into 80 six times (6 x 12 = 72). Write 0.16 above.
- Continue this process for a more accurate answer.
