Decimals

Divide a Decimal by a Whole Number

Divide 6.48 ÷ 4 by placing the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend, then dividing as usual: 6 ÷ 4 = 1 r 2, bring down 4 → 24 ÷ 4 = 6, bring down 8 → 8 ÷ 4 = 2, giving 1.62.

Example

Divide 6.48 by 4 and carry the decimal point into the quotient. Dividing a decimal by a whole number works just like whole-number division, digit by digit, with one addition: the decimal point in the answer sits directly above its place in the dividend. Keeping that alignment ensures each quotient digit lands in its correct place value.

highlighted = computed this step

Step 1 — Set up

Set up the decimal board.

x□.□□46.48\begin{array}{r|rrrr}\phantom{x}&\square&.&\square&\square\\\hline\\4&6&.&4&8\end{array}
Carry the decimal point straight up4..648quotient point stays above dividend point

Step 2 — Divide digit

6 ÷ 4 = 1, write 1.

x1.□□46.48\begin{array}{r|rrrr}\phantom{x}&\hl{1}&.&\square&\square\\\hline\\4&6&.&4&8\end{array}
6 divided by 4 gives the ones digit41..648quotient point stays above dividend point

Step 3 — Divide digit

24 ÷ 4 = 6, write 6.

x1.6□46.48\begin{array}{r|rrrr}\phantom{x}&1&.&\hl{6}&\square\\\hline\\4&6&.&4&8\end{array}
Bring down 4 tenths: 24 divided by 441..6648quotient point stays above dividend point

Step 4 — Divide digit

8 ÷ 4 = 2, write 2.

x1.6246.48\begin{array}{r|rrrr}\phantom{x}&1&.&6&\hl{2}\\\hline\\4&6&.&4&8\end{array}
Bring down 8 hundredths: 8 divided by 441..62648quotient point stays above dividend point

Step 5 — Result

Read the result: 1.62.

x1.6246.48\begin{array}{r|rrrr}\phantom{x}&1&.&6&2\\\hline\\4&6&.&4&8\end{array}
6.48 ÷ 4 = 1.6241..62648quotient point stays above dividend point
decimal-division-by-whole Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal point in the dividend before you begin dividing. Then perform long division digit by digit exactly as you would for whole numbers.