Teach How to Divide Decimals by Whole Numbers

Connor’s farm collected a total of 16.8 gallons of milk this week. They own three cows and all of the cows produce the same amount of milk.

How much milk did each cow produce this week?

To work out the answer to this question, your students need to divide a decimal (16.8) by a whole number (3). There are numerous ways to do this. Two of the most common strategies for dividing decimals by whole numbers are:

1. Visual Models – This model employs the use of grids or arrays to represent the decimal dividend. By shading in the appropriate number of squares on the grid or grids, then grouping the shaded area based on the whole number divisor, students can visually see the division process represented on a grid. This method is ideal for learners who benefit from visual approaches to solving mathematical problems.
2. Standard Algorithm – This method is the more traditional method we often use for division. Add the decimal above the dividend in the quotient area, then divide as you would with whole numbers. This method is ideal for learners who have a strong grasp of the underlying concepts and can complete calculations quickly and accurately.

To help your students better understand these two strategies for dividing decimals by whole numbers, the expert teacher team at Teach Starter has created this 16-slide teaching presentation. The presentation explores each strategy in detail using annotated examples of each process. It also includes collaborative review activities that the class can work through together as a means of checking for understanding.

This slide deck downloads in a Google Slides format. The first part of the presentation operates in Slideshow mode. The second part (the review activities) operates in Edit mode.

Differentiate This Division of Decimals Slideshow 

If you’re looking for ways to differentiate this activity, here are some suggestions from our experienced teacher team:

• Provide Manipulatives – To help your less-confident students engage with and practice each strategy, provide manipulatives such as hundreds grids (without the numbers) and mini-whiteboards. This way, students can complete each step of each new strategy as it is being described in the slideshow.
• Be the Teacher – Allow your more-confident students to demonstrate their knowledge by taking the lead during the review activities. Have students take turns coming up to the board and walking the class through the steps required to complete the questions.

Download to Divide Decimals by Whole Numbers

Use the Download button to access the Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides presentation before accessing it.)

Project the resource onto your screen and work through the slides as a class for a paperless lesson on how to divide decimals by whole numbers!

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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