Anchor Chart · Grade 5 · 5.NBT.B.7
Dividing with Decimals
Three situations, one habit: put the decimal point in the answer before you divide.
1Decimal ÷ Whole Number
2.4
37.2
point straight up ↑
7 ÷ 3 → 2, remainder 1 · 12 tenths ÷ 3 = 4 tenths
Divide left to right, exactly like whole numbers - the point just rides straight up.
2Add Zeros to Keep Going
5.75
423.00
23 ÷ 4 = 5 R3 → don't stop. 30 tenths ÷ 4, then 20 hundredths ÷ 4.
A remainder isn't the end - zeros are free. Keep dividing until it comes out even (or you round).
3Dividing by a Decimal
9.1 ÷ 0.2 → shift both one place → 91 ÷ 2
45.5
291.0
You can't share among 0.2 of a person. Multiply both numbers by 10 until the divisor is whole - the quotient doesn't change.
4Estimate to Check
7.2 ÷ 3 ≈ 6 ÷ 3 = 2 → 2.4 ✓
9.1 ÷ 0.2 ≈ "how many 0.2s in 9?" ≈ 45 → 45.5 ✓
Dividing by a number less than 1 gives a bigger answer - expect it, don't fear it.
