Grade 5 · Math

Divide decimals using equal scaling

The idea

Multiply both numbers by the same power of 10 until the divisor is a whole number.

Step by step
  1. Multiply both numbers by the same power of 10 until the divisor is a whole number.
  2. Divide the scaled amounts; changing both numbers by the same factor keeps their ratio unchanged.
  3. Check by multiplying the quotient by the original divisor.

Example

What is 3.6 ÷ 0.6?

Answer

6

Multiply both numbers by 10 to keep the quotient unchanged: 36 ÷ 6 = 6. Check: 6 × 0.6 = 3.6.

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Try it together

Use a money or measurement model for 3.6 ÷ 0.6. Compare it with 36 ÷ 6, then check the product.

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