Dividing whole numbers

Dividing whole numbers is the opposite of multiplying whole numbers. It is the process by which we try to find out how many times a number (divisor) is contained in another number (dividend). The answer in the division problem is called a quotient. In the division problem above ( 63 ÷ 7) , 7 is contained into 63, 9 times. (9 × 7 = 63)

Some other interesting examples showing how dividing whole numbers work.

Here is a detailed explanation of step 1 to step 7 that may help you better understand this long division.

It is not easy to see immediately how many times 3 is contained into 462. It may not be easy also to see how many times 3 is contained into 46. However, it is fairly easy to see that 3 is contained into 4 once.

Therefore, we do this in step 1 and put the 1 above the 4.

In step 2, we multiply 1 by 3 and subtract the answer or 3 from 4.

In step 3, we bring down the 62. Now, we need to find out how many times 3 is contained in 162. Still, it may not be obvious, so we will try to find out instead how many times 3 is contained into 16.

This is done in step 4 and we see that 3 is contained into 16 five times. We put the 5 above the 4.

In step 5 , we multiply 5 by 3 and subtract the answer or 15 from 16.

In step 6 , we bring down the 2.

In step 7 , we try to find out how many times 3 is contained into 12.

3 × 4 = 12, so 3 is contained into 12 four times.

Finally, we put the 4 above the 6.

The answer is 154. We can also say that 3 is contained into 462 one hundred fifty-four times.

Notice that the same division can be done faster if you can find out how many times 3 is contained into 46. 46 contains 3 fifteen times. Then, you can finish the problem in 4 steps as shown below: