Get Your Students Dividing with Decimals

Are your students ready to learn how to divide with decimals? As long as students have had plenty of practice with dividing whole numbers and long division, they should be prepared to tackle this new skill. 

When dividing a decimal by a whole number, there is no need to move the decimal. Students can divide the numbers using the standard algorithm and then move the decimal point into the quotient. Remember to remind your students that keeping their numbers lined up properly is very important!

If we look at dividing a whole number by a decimal or a decimal by a decimal, this is where it is important to teach your students how to move the decimal point, both in the divisor and the dividend. Students will practice moving the decimal point in the divisor one or two places to create a whole number. This movement will then be reflected in the dividend before dividing.

Teach Starter has created a set of task cards for your students to practice their decimal division skills. Through this activity, students will show they can divide: 

• A decimal by a decimal
• A whole number by a decimal
• A decimal by a whole number

Differentiate This Dividing with Decimals Activity

If you’re catering to a wide range of learner abilities in your classroom (and we’re guessing that you probably are!), then you’ll be looking for some ideas as to how you might differentiate this resource during your lessons on dividing with decimals. Here are some simple but effective suggestions from our experienced teacher team:

• If there are students who need additional support, choose to use the task cards with the least number of digits. You could also provide less-confident students with a multiplication chart to help with basic maths facts.
• For students who need a bit of a challenge, consider using the editable Google Slides file to create more challenging problems. This can be done by either increasing the number of digits in the divisor, dividend or both!

Easily Prepare This Decimal Division Resource

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the easy-print PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a Teach Starter collaborator. 

Curriculum-Aligned Resources for Decimal Division

Are you looking for more curriculum-aligned resources to support your teaching of decimal division? Click below for some great suggestions from our teacher team:

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