Dividing Decimals by 10
Dividing a decimal by 10 shifts the decimal point one place to the left, reducing every digit's place value by one position. In Grade 6 Saxon Math Course 1, 4.7 ÷ 10 = 0.47 and 230 ÷ 10 = 23. This mental shortcut follows directly from the base-10 structure: each place is worth one-tenth of the place to its left. The same rule extends systematically: dividing by 100 moves the decimal two places left, and dividing by any power of 10 moves it n places left for 10ⁿ.
Key Concepts
Property When we divide by 10, the decimal point moves one place to the left.
Examples $37.5 \div 10 = 3.75$ $87.5 \div 10 = 8.75$ $2.5 \div 10 = 0.25$.
Explanation Think of dividing by 10 as a simple one step slide to the left for the decimal point. This mental shortcut makes the number 10 times smaller without any long division. The digits stay the same, but their place value shifts, giving you the correct answer instantly. It’s a math magic trick for making division easy and fast!
Common Questions
What happens to the decimal point when you divide by 10?
It moves one place to the left. Example: 5.6 ÷ 10 = 0.56.
What is 4.7 ÷ 10?
0.47
What is 230 ÷ 10?
23.0 = 23
What is 0.3 ÷ 10?
0.03
How is dividing by 10 related to multiplying by 0.1?
They are equivalent operations: dividing by 10 and multiplying by 0.1 (= 1/10) both shift the decimal one place left.