Chapter 10 Math 271
Division
Division is a process that enables you to fi nd how many times one
number is present in another number. Division is the opposite of multi-
plication. Therefore, memorizing the multiplication table will help you to
solve division problems.
The most common symbol for division is (÷). The number that gets
divided is called the dividend. The number that does the dividing is called
the divisor. The answer to a division problem is called the quotient.
5 ← quotient
divisor → 3
)15
← dividend
Division problems can be written several ways:
6 ÷ 3 or
6
or
3)6
3
Many situations will arise during your career requiring the use of
division. The following is an example of how you might use division in a
healthcare setting:
Hazel is the front offi ce medical assistant in charge of buying
new chairs for the medical offi ce’s reception room. She is given
a budget of $745 to purchase fi ve new chairs. What is the most
that Hazel can pay for each chair while staying in budget? The
equation Hazel must solve is 745 ÷ 5 = ?
To begin, divide 5 into the fi rst digit of the dividend (7). Because 5 goes
into 7 only one time, write a 1 above the 7. Next, multiply the 5 and 1, and
write the product (5) below the 7. Then, subtract the 5 from the 7, which
gives you the remainder of 2.
1
5
)745
5
2
Multiplying on the Job
1. Elise is a respiratory therapist. Her supervisor has asked her to work
8 hour shifts for the next 3 weeks (Elise works 5 days a week). How
many total hours will Elise work during the next 3 weeks?
2. During each 8 hour shift, Elise sees 13 patients. How many patients will
she see in the next 3 weeks? Remember, Elise works 5 days a week.
Real Life Scenario
division
process of determining how
many times one number is
present in another number