Example 1 · Divide by a whole number
Calculate \(7.2\div3\).
Show the reasoning
There are \(72\) tenths. Sharing them into three groups gives \(24\) tenths.
\[7.2\div3=2.4.\]Check: \(2.4\times3=7.2\).
Year 7 · Decimals
Dividing decimals
Make an equivalent division with a whole-number divisor and check it by multiplication.
8 questions in the first lesson. Allow about 10–15 minutes at your own pace. More short sets are available below.
Understand the method
A division keeps the same value when both the dividend and divisor are multiplied by the same non-zero number. Multiply both by \(10\), \(100\) or \(1000\) to make the divisor whole.
Then divide, keeping the place values aligned. If the question asks for rounding, retain the full value during the calculation and round the final answer once.
For a positive starting value, dividing by a positive number below one makes the result larger. Check a quotient by multiplying it by the original divisor.
Worked examples
Example 2 · Scale both numbers
Calculate \(4.62\div0.14\).
Show the reasoning
\[\frac{4.62}{0.14}=\frac{462}{14}=33.\]Both numbers were multiplied by \(100\). Check: \(33\times0.14=4.62\).
Check your method
- Moving the decimal point in only the divisor.
- Assuming division always makes the result smaller.
- Rounding intermediate steps before the final answer.
Review after a break
After a checked attempt, this browser can suggest which ideas to revisit. A fresh question is offered after help.
Start short practiceMore short practice sets
Each set contains at most eight questions. Choose one set for this session.
Topic resources and the full bank
Lesson resources
Presentations require course access. Sign in to check your access.
Exercises include the supplied Year 7 Decimal Calculations collection. Lessons, explanations and additional understanding checks were prepared with AI assistance. Teacher review pending.