HOW TO DIVIDE DECIMALS

The word "Decimal" really means "based on 10" (From Latin decima: a tenth part).We sometimes say "decimal" when we mean anything to do with our number system, but a "Decimal Number" usually means there is a Decimal Point.

DIVIDING DECIMALS

Let us now see how to divide decimals.

Following are the steps towards dividing decimals.

• Make the divisor a whole number by moving the decimal point to the Right. Move the decimal point in the dividend by the same number of hops. This is the same as multiplying both numbers by 10 (for each hop)

• Place the decimal point in the answer lined up with decimal point in the dividend.

• Divide the numbers. Be sure that the decimal points remain lined up.

ROUNDING DECIMALS

Rounding of decimal is a technique used to estimate or approximate values. Rounding is most commonly used to limit the amount of decimal places. Instead of having a long string of decimals places, or even one that goes on forever, we can approximate the value of the decimal to a specified decimal place.

Points to be noted while rounding a decimal:

• Retain the correct number of decimal places (e.g. 3 for thousandths, 0 for whole numbers)

• If the next decimal place value is 5 or more, increase the value in the last retained decimal place by 1.

For examples on Decimal Number click here.