Ever found yourself puzzled by a seemingly simple division problem like 89.40 ÷ 6? If you've ever hesitated at the thought of doing long division, especially with decimal points involved, you're not alone. But fear not! Today, we're going to unravel the mystery of this calculation, step by step. By the end of this article, you'll not only master this division but also gain confidence in tackling similar arithmetic tasks.
Understanding the Problem: A Brief Overview
Before diving into the calculation, let's clarify what we're dealing with. Division essentially means splitting a quantity into equal parts. Here, 89.40 is our dividend (the number being divided), and 6 is our divisor (the number by which we are dividing).
Step 1: Convert the Decimal to a Whole Number
The first rule of thumb in division, especially when dealing with decimals, is to remove the decimal point for simplicity:
- Move the decimal two places to the right in both numbers:
- Dividend: 89.40 becomes 8940
- Divisor: 6 remains 6
Tip: This step ensures we work with whole numbers, simplifying the process.
Step 2: Perform Long Division
Now, with 8940 ÷ 6, let's dive into long division:
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How many times does 6 go into 8? - The answer is 1, since 6 × 1 = 6.
- Write 1 at the top of the division bar and subtract 6 from 8, leaving a remainder of 2.
-
Bring down the next digit from 8940, which is 9, making it 29.
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How many times does 6 go into 29? - It goes in 4 times (6 × 4 = 24).
- Write 4 next to the 1 (making it 14), and subtract 24 from 29, leaving a remainder of 5.
-
Bring down the next digit, which is 4, making it 54.
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How many times does 6 go into 54? - It goes in 9 times (6 × 9 = 54).
- Write 9 next to the 4, now the quotient is 149.
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Final Step: You're left with no remainder since 54 ÷ 6 = 9 exactly.
Pro Tip: When performing long division, always ensure you double-check each step to prevent errors.
Step 3: Placing the Decimal Point
- Now, to make our answer match the original problem, move the decimal point back two places to the left.
- The answer is 14.90
Step 4: Verifying the Calculation
It's always wise to check your work:
- Re-multiply: 14.90 × 6 should give you back 89.40.
Here's how:
14.90
× 6
-----
89.40
Your answer matches the original dividend, proving your calculation was correct.
Pro Tip: Verification is key in arithmetic, reducing the chance of mistakes.
Step 5: Practical Application and Further Exploration
Understanding this calculation can aid in real-life scenarios:
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Financial Applications: Knowing how to divide amounts can help in budgeting or understanding the distribution of costs.
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Educational Context: This skill is foundational for more complex mathematical problems, especially those involving decimals.
Tips & Techniques:
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Shortcuts: For quick division, memorizing common division outcomes like 6 × 10 = 60 can speed up your process.
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Visualize: If visual aids help, consider drawing diagrams or using online calculators to visualize division.
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Common Mistakes: Be cautious not to shift the decimal incorrectly. Misplacement can lead to significant errors in the final result.
<p class="pro-note">🧠 Pro Tip: Regular practice with different numbers will make your division skills sharp and efficient. Keep a notebook or use an app for quick, daily mental exercises.</p>
Troubleshooting:
- Rounding Errors: If you notice slight discrepancies after multiplying back, check if you rounded numbers at any point.
Wrapping Up
Now, with the simple steps outlined, you've mastered calculating 89.40 ÷ 6. Remember, arithmetic might seem daunting, but with a clear method and practice, it becomes second nature. This knowledge not only boosts your mathematical prowess but also applies in everyday scenarios.
To continue your learning journey, we encourage you to explore other related tutorials, delve into multiplication, or tackle more complex calculations.
<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: The more you practice, the more intuitive math becomes. Keep exploring and challenging yourself with different problems to stay sharp!</p>
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if the decimal point shifts more than two places?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ensure that you shift the decimal point the same number of places in both the dividend and the divisor to maintain the problem's integrity.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there an easier method for dividing with decimals?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Converting both numbers into whole numbers simplifies the process, as shown in this tutorial.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why do we move the decimal in division?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>To ensure that the division process involves whole numbers, making it easier and less prone to error.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use a calculator for this division?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use a calculator for instant results, but understanding the manual process is beneficial for foundational math skills.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>