Unit 5 Dividing Whole Numbers
41
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Method Used to Divide Whole Numbers
While addition (+), subtraction (–), and multiplication (×) each had a symbol to identify
their operations, division can be identifi ed by four symbols and methods to set up
the problem.
Division bracket 7
|
–––
84
Division sign 84 ÷ 7
Division bar
84
___
7
Slanted bar 84/7
Because division problems can be set up using multiple symbols, it is important
to learn the terminology and defi nitions associated with a common division problem.
12
7
|
–––
84
Divisor
Quotient
Dividend
The dividend is the number that is being divided into smaller parts by the divisor.
The divisor is the number by which the dividend is being divided.
The quotient is the number of times the dividend is divided by the divisor.
While it is easy to recognize that 24 ÷ 12 = 2, calculators are needed on many
division problems because of their complexity. When working on a jobsite where
a calculator may not be available, the long division bracket method can be used to
solve complex division problems.
Example 5-3
Set up the problem by placing the dividend and divisor in their correct locations.
8
|
–––––
1,968
Starting on the left of 1,968, determine how many times the divisor (8) can go
into the fi rst digit of the dividend (1,968). In this example, 8 is larger than 1, so it
cannot. When this happens, you then move one more digit to the right on the
dividend and try again. This time 8 can divide into 19 two times. Since we were
dividing into 19, the 2 is written directly above the 9 in 19.
2
8
|
–––––
1,968
After placing the 2 above the 9, multiply 2 × 8 and place the answer (16) under
the 19. Subtract and insert the 3 as the answer.
2
8
|
–––––
1,968
– 1 6
‾
3
(Continued)