Learn on PengiSaxon Math, Course 1Chapter 5: Number and Operations

Lesson 45: Dividing a Decimal Number by a Whole Number

In this Grade 6 Saxon Math Course 1 lesson, students learn how to divide a decimal number by a whole number by aligning the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend. The lesson also covers how to handle division problems with no remainder by attaching zeros to the dividend and continuing to divide, a technique demonstrated through examples like dividing 0.6 by 5. Practice problems reinforce the skill using both standalone equations and real-world contexts such as distance and perimeter.

Section 1

📘 Dividing a Decimal Number by a Whole Number

New Concept

When dividing a decimal by a whole number, place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend. Instead of remainders, attach zeros and continue dividing.

What’s next

This is the foundational procedure. Next, you'll walk through worked examples showing how to apply this rule, even when the division doesn't seem to end.

Section 2

Dividing With Decimals

Property

Dividing a decimal number by a whole number is similar to dividing dollars and cents by a whole number. The decimal point in the quotient is directly above the decimal point in the dividend.

Examples

4.2÷3=1.44.2 \div 3 = 1.4
4.5÷3=1.54.5 \div 3 = 1.5
177.6÷8=22.2177.6 \div 8 = 22.2

Explanation

Think of it like splitting a bill with friends! Just line up the decimal point and divide as you normally would. The most important rule is to keep that decimal point perfectly aligned, right above its spot in the number you're dividing. This keeps the value of your answer correct.

Section 3

Using Zeros As Placeholders

Property

The decimal point in the quotient is directly above the decimal point in the dividend. We fill the empty place with zero.

Examples

0.24÷3=0.080.24 \div 3 = 0.08
0.14÷2=0.070.14 \div 2 = 0.07
0.012÷6=0.0020.012 \div 6 = 0.002

Explanation

When you place the decimal in your quotient, an empty spot might appear. Just pop a zero in there! This acts as a placeholder to keep all the digits in their correct place value. It’s a simple but crucial step for getting the right answer, especially with tiny numbers.

Section 4

Attaching Zeros To Finish Dividing

Property

Decimal division answers are not written with remainders. Instead, we attach zeros to the end of the dividend and continue dividing.

Examples

To solve 0.6÷50.6 \div 5, we change it to 0.60÷5=0.120.60 \div 5 = 0.12.
To solve 0.3÷40.3 \div 4, we change it to 0.300÷4=0.0750.300 \div 4 = 0.075.
To solve 0.7÷50.7 \div 5, we change it to 0.70÷5=0.140.70 \div 5 = 0.14.

Explanation

What happens when you can't divide evenly but have no more numbers? Just add a zero to the end of your dividend! Adding a zero does not change the value (0.6 is the same as 0.60), but it gives you more digits to work with so you can finish the division perfectly.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 5: Number and Operations

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 41: Finding a Percent of a Number

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 42: Renaming Fractions by Multiplying by 1

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 43: Equivalent Division Problems

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 44: Simplifying Decimal Numbers

  5. Lesson 5Current

    Lesson 45: Dividing a Decimal Number by a Whole Number

  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 46: Writing Decimal Numbers in Expanded Notation

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 47: Circumference

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 48: Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Regrouping, Part 1

  9. Lesson 9

    Lesson 49: Dividing by a Decimal Number

  10. Lesson 10

    Lesson 50: Decimal Number Line (Tenths)

  11. Lesson 11

    Investigation 5: Displaying Data

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

📘 Dividing a Decimal Number by a Whole Number

New Concept

When dividing a decimal by a whole number, place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend. Instead of remainders, attach zeros and continue dividing.

What’s next

This is the foundational procedure. Next, you'll walk through worked examples showing how to apply this rule, even when the division doesn't seem to end.

Section 2

Dividing With Decimals

Property

Dividing a decimal number by a whole number is similar to dividing dollars and cents by a whole number. The decimal point in the quotient is directly above the decimal point in the dividend.

Examples

4.2÷3=1.44.2 \div 3 = 1.4
4.5÷3=1.54.5 \div 3 = 1.5
177.6÷8=22.2177.6 \div 8 = 22.2

Explanation

Think of it like splitting a bill with friends! Just line up the decimal point and divide as you normally would. The most important rule is to keep that decimal point perfectly aligned, right above its spot in the number you're dividing. This keeps the value of your answer correct.

Section 3

Using Zeros As Placeholders

Property

The decimal point in the quotient is directly above the decimal point in the dividend. We fill the empty place with zero.

Examples

0.24÷3=0.080.24 \div 3 = 0.08
0.14÷2=0.070.14 \div 2 = 0.07
0.012÷6=0.0020.012 \div 6 = 0.002

Explanation

When you place the decimal in your quotient, an empty spot might appear. Just pop a zero in there! This acts as a placeholder to keep all the digits in their correct place value. It’s a simple but crucial step for getting the right answer, especially with tiny numbers.

Section 4

Attaching Zeros To Finish Dividing

Property

Decimal division answers are not written with remainders. Instead, we attach zeros to the end of the dividend and continue dividing.

Examples

To solve 0.6÷50.6 \div 5, we change it to 0.60÷5=0.120.60 \div 5 = 0.12.
To solve 0.3÷40.3 \div 4, we change it to 0.300÷4=0.0750.300 \div 4 = 0.075.
To solve 0.7÷50.7 \div 5, we change it to 0.70÷5=0.140.70 \div 5 = 0.14.

Explanation

What happens when you can't divide evenly but have no more numbers? Just add a zero to the end of your dividend! Adding a zero does not change the value (0.6 is the same as 0.60), but it gives you more digits to work with so you can finish the division perfectly.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 5: Number and Operations

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 41: Finding a Percent of a Number

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 42: Renaming Fractions by Multiplying by 1

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 43: Equivalent Division Problems

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 44: Simplifying Decimal Numbers

  5. Lesson 5Current

    Lesson 45: Dividing a Decimal Number by a Whole Number

  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 46: Writing Decimal Numbers in Expanded Notation

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 47: Circumference

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 48: Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Regrouping, Part 1

  9. Lesson 9

    Lesson 49: Dividing by a Decimal Number

  10. Lesson 10

    Lesson 50: Decimal Number Line (Tenths)

  11. Lesson 11

    Investigation 5: Displaying Data