5 Must-Know Tricks For Dividing 20 By 6 Quickly

For many of us, simple arithmetic operations are a fundamental part of daily life, whether we're managing our finances, cooking, or just splitting a bill at dinner. Yet, when it comes to dividing 20 by 6, the answer isn't immediately apparent. This seemingly trivial problem can be solved quickly and efficiently with a few clever tricks. Here, we explore five ingenious methods for dividing 20 by 6 that will not only enhance your mental math skills but also make you appreciate the elegance of numbers.

Using Multiplication and Subtraction for Easy Division

Let's start with a simple yet effective technique:

Multiplication for Division: Instead of directly dividing, we can use multiplication to our advantage. Here's how:

• Recognize that 6 * 3 = 18. This is close to 20, but we still need to account for the remainder.
• Since 20 - 18 = 2, we get 20 / 6 = 3 R 2, meaning 20 divided by 6 gives you a quotient of 3 and a remainder of 2.

Here's how this can be done step by step:

1. Multiply 6 by any number until you get close to 20 but not over.

   • 6 * 1 = 6
   • 6 * 2 = 12
   • 6 * 3 = 18 (Here we stop)

2. Subtract the product from 20 to find the remainder.

   • 20 - 18 = 2

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: This method is particularly useful when dealing with numbers that are close to the multiples of the divisor.</p>

The "Buddy" Method for Splitting

Sometimes visualizing the division in terms of "buddies" or pairs can help:

• We can consider 6 as 3 pairs.
• 20 / 3 pairs = 20 / 3 * 2 = 6 R 2

This method can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Identify how many times 6 can go into 20 in terms of pairs:

   • 20 / 6 = 10 / 3 = 3 (approx.)
   • Since 6 = 3 * 2, this means we have 3 pairs.

2. Distribute the number across these pairs:

   • Each pair gets 3 items, and since we have 2 items left, we distribute those as well.

The Naughty Numerator Technique

If you're more of a visual person, consider this trick:

• Place the numerator (20) in your mind and split it:
  • 2 0 can be imagined as 2 and 0, where 2 is how many times 6 goes into 20 exactly (2 * 6 = 12).
  • Then, 0 becomes the remainder since 20 - 12 = 8, and we need 2 more to get to the next multiple of 6.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: This method is excellent for those who think in terms of visual patterns.</p>

Using Repeated Subtraction for Simple Division

Here's a method based on subtraction:

1. Subtract 6 from 20 as many times as you can until you can't anymore:
   • 20 - 6 = 14
   • 14 - 6 = 8
   • 8 - 6 = 2

After three subtractions, you're left with 2, which means 20 / 6 = 3 R 2.

Fractional Thinking for Quick Division

For those more adept with fractions, consider this approach:

• 20 / 6 = 10 / 3
• This can be simplified as 3 R 2 or as 3.3333...

This method can be summarized in the following steps:

1. Simplify the fraction: 20 / 6 = 10 / 3
2. Convert to decimal if necessary: 10 / 3 = 3 R 2 or 3.3333...

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: This method is versatile and can be applied to any division problem where you need both the quotient and the remainder.</p>

Final Thoughts

These tricks for dividing 20 by 6 quickly are not just for dividing this specific pair of numbers; they can be applied to a range of similar problems. Understanding these methods allows you to look at numbers differently, appreciate the inherent patterns, and solve problems efficiently. Whether it's for checking calculations, quick mental arithmetic, or simply impressing friends, these five must-know tricks are invaluable tools for anyone looking to sharpen their math skills.

Don't stop here! There are many more mathematical shortcuts and tricks waiting to be explored. Whether you're interested in multiplying large numbers, finding square roots, or understanding probability, diving into related tutorials can further enhance your number sense and computational prowess.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Keep practicing these techniques, and soon you'll find yourself quickly estimating complex divisions in your head!</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is knowing these division tricks useful?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>These tricks can help speed up your mental arithmetic, improve your number sense, and provide you with quick solutions for everyday calculations.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use these methods for numbers other than 20 and 6?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, these techniques can be adapted for a variety of division problems, especially those involving whole numbers and simple fractions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Which method is the best for mental calculation?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The 'Repeated Subtraction' or 'Naughty Numerator Technique' tend to be the most intuitive and quickest for mental math.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>