Sharing equally
Division means sharing into equal groups. 12 ÷ 3 asks: if we share 12 into 3 equal groups, how many in each? The answer is 4.
Key idea
Division is the opposite of multiplication. Because 3 × 4 = 12, we know 12 ÷ 3 = 4 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
Worked example
Worked example
Work out 369 ÷ 3.
Hundreds: 3 ÷ 3 = 1
Tens: 6 ÷ 3 = 2
Ones: 9 ÷ 3 = 3
So 369 ÷ 3 = 123.
Check by multiplying
Check: 123 × 3 = 369. Correct! Multiplying back tells you the sharing was right.
Remember
- Division shares into equal groups.
- It is the opposite of multiplication.
- Check by multiplying your answer back.