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Long Division to Decimal Places Explained with Clear Steps

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How to Do Long Division to Decimal Places with Solved Examples

Long division is the process of dividing large numbers into steps or parts, dividing the problem into a sequence of easier steps. Long division to decimal is similar to the long division to whole numbers, except for the way we manage the decimal point. The secret to performing long division to decimal places is to add zeros after the decimal point. For example, 140 is the same as 140.00. We can include as many zeroes as we wish after the decimal point without changing the value of the number. 

Let us learn more about how to do the long division with decimals by reading the content given below, which enables us to understand better.

 

Long Division to Decimal Steps

Long division to decimal can be easily done just as the normal long division. The following steps explain how to do long division with decimal points.  

Step 1: The first step is to write the number in standard form. Start by dividing the whole number part by the given divisor

Step 2: Place the decimal point in the quotient above the decimal point of the dividend. Bring down the tenth digit for continuing the further division process.

Step 3:  Divide and bring down the other digits such as hundredths, thousandth, etc in a sequence. Divide until you get the 0 in the remainder. Hence, you will find the same number of decimal points are placed in the quotient as in the dividend  

 

Long Division to Decimal

 

Long Division to Decimal When Divisor is Not a Whole Number

The following steps with example explain long division to decimal when the divisor  is not a whole number:

Divide 16.9 by 6.5

1. As the divisor is not a whole number, we will move the decimal point to the right side to convert it into a whole number and also move the decimal point in the dividend one place to the right as shown below.

 

169/65

                        

2. Divide usually as a whole number. The divisor 65 goes into the dividend 139, 2 time(s), with 39 left as a remainder. 

 

divisor 65 goes into the dividend 139

 

3. To continue the division process, add zero to the right of the decimal point in the dividend. Further, bring down the 0 and place it to the end of 39, making it 390.

 

bring down the 0 and place it to the end of 39, making it 390

 

4. 65 goes into the 390, six times with a remainder of 0. We will write 6 in the quotient just above the zero and place the decimal point in the quotient above the decimal point of the dividend as shown below.

 

169 when divided by 65

 

Hence, 16.9 when divided by 6.5 gives a quotient of 2.6 and remainder 0.


Long Division 3 Examples With Solutions 

1. Hitesh Wants to Know the Long Division Steps that Need to be Followed to Obtain the Result of 1.683  ÷ 0.09. Can You Help Him to Find the Result? 

Solution:

Following are the steps that Hitesh needs to follow to get a result of 1.683  ÷ 0.09.

First, the divisor will be converted into the whole number by multiplying the divisor by 100 (0.09 100 = 9). Further, we will also multiply the dividend by 100 (1.683 100 = 168.3)  to get the decimal point in the same number of places. 

Now, the division will be performed in the following way:

 

seo images

 

Hence, 168.3 0.09 = 18.7

 

2. Ronak Distributed 75 Chocolates Among 3 of his Friends. How Many Chocolates Did he Distribute to Each Friend?

Solution:

Total Number of Chocolates = 75

Number of Friends = 3

To find the number of chocolates distributed to each friend, we have to divide 75 by 3 because an equal number of chocolates are distributed to each friend. 

 

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Hence, the number of chocolates distributed to each friend is 25.

 

Points to Remember

  • There is a certain procedure of dividing the decimals by the whole number.

  • The first step is to write the division expression in a completely standard form. 

  •  Then the decimal’s whole number has to be divided by the divisor. 

  • The decimal point has to be placed above the quotient above the dividend’s decimal point and bring down the tenth digit. 

  • Write 0 in the quotient in front of the tenth digit if the tenth digit of the dividend is not divisible by the divisor. 

  •  In order to attain 0 in the reminder, zeros must be added to the dividend, if not required then proceed as usual. 

  • Dividing a decimal by 10 will move the decimal point to one place towards the left, 

  • In order to Divide 5 by 100, place the decimal point in the numerator like 5/100 = 0.05. It will mean that the decimal point will shift to the left by two places since 100 has two 0’s. 

  • Dividing 31 by 100 where it is written as 31/100, the denominator has two 0’s which is why the decimal point has to be placed in two places like 0.31.

  • Dividing decimals is like dividing whole numbers where the decimal point has to be taken into account along with its placement. 

  • It has two ways for dividing, namely, dividing decimals by whole numbers or division of decimals by another decimal number.

  • Decimals may also be divided by 10, 100, and 1000. 

  • There are certain rules that are to be followed during the division of decimals. 

  • A division expression has four parts namely, dividend, divisor, quotient, and remainder. 


Tips to Master this Chapter Like a Pro

Students can find this topic hard to understand and get confused with the basic concepts. In order to avoid such inconveniences, here are some quick ways to master Long Division to Decimals like a pro–

  1. Always make notes.

Yes. Making notes can come in handy at any hour before the final exams. Long Division to Decimal places is diversified and the steps have to be revised regularly so a student does not forget the concepts of this topic. 

  1. Test after doubt clearing

Students must test their knowledge after clearing their doubts in order to know if they have more doubts and understand their grasp on this topic. It is always better to make mistakes before exams and not in the exams. 

  1. Participate in online classes for Long Division to Decimal places. 

Students must participate actively in interactive online classes to develop a sound understanding and sharpen their knowledge regarding this topic. Vedantu offers online classes that help students enhance their knowledge regarding Accounting Information Systems. 

  1. Understanding ‘Why’ 

Every knowledge that is perceived has to be questioned for a rational understanding of the topic. What are different terms that are used in the long division method? What is the process of the long division method?  Such questions will help a student memorize this topic in a better way and with a deeper understanding. 

  1. Make sure all the questions in the textbook are answerable. 

A student must be able to answer most of the questions present in the textbook. Struggling with questions will make a student unsure of the concepts and it will greatly impact the exams. 

  1. Solving sample papers on Long Division

For a better grip on this vast topic, a student must solve the sample questions aside from the questions present in the textbook. Not knowing how to answer any possible question on this topic can cause a student to panic during exams. 

  1. Solving questions from RD Sharma

Students must be willing to solve questions from the RD Sharma textbook for a better understanding of the possible questions that might be asked in the exams. The solutions to the questions presented in the RD Sharma textbook are available on Vedantu’s official website. 

In totality, it is imperative that a student remains in touch with this chapter and begins to work from the first day. It is not tough with correct work and guidance. Vedantu offers online classes for clearing doubts and live sessions for a better understanding of this topic. Vedantu offers study materials according to the latest syllabus of the boards so that students don’t feel demotivated for the exams. A student can also download the solutions to the question related to Long division to Decimal places from Vedantu’s official website.

FAQs on Long Division to Decimal Places Explained with Clear Steps

1. What is long division to decimal places?

Long division to decimal places is the process of dividing numbers and continuing the division past the whole number by adding decimal points and zeros to get a more precise answer. It is used when a number does not divide exactly into another number.

  • Add a decimal point to the dividend and quotient when needed.
  • Add zeros after the decimal in the dividend to continue dividing.
  • Continue until you reach the required number of decimal places.
This method helps express remainders as decimals instead of fractions.

2. How do you do long division with decimals step by step?

To do long division with decimals, divide as usual and extend the division by adding zeros after the decimal point in the dividend. Follow these steps:

  • Divide the whole number part first.
  • Place a decimal point in the quotient directly above the decimal in the dividend.
  • Add zeros after the decimal in the dividend if needed.
  • Continue dividing until you reach the required decimal places.
Example: 7 ÷ 4 = 1.75.

3. How do you divide a whole number and get a decimal answer?

You divide a whole number and get a decimal answer by adding a decimal point and zeros to continue dividing after the remainder. For example:

  • Divide 5 by 2.
  • 2 goes into 5 = 2 remainder 1.
  • Add decimal and zero → 10 ÷ 2 = 5.
So, 5 ÷ 2 = 2.5.

4. Where do you put the decimal point in long division?

In long division, the decimal point in the quotient goes directly above the decimal point in the dividend. This keeps place value correct.

  • If the dividend has a decimal, bring it straight up into the answer.
  • If dividing a whole number, add a decimal after the whole number in the quotient when extending the division.
Correct decimal placement ensures accurate decimal place value.

5. How many decimal places should you calculate to?

You should calculate to the number of decimal places required by the question or round to a specified place value. Common instructions include:

  • Round to 1 decimal place.
  • Round to 2 decimal places.
  • Round to the nearest whole number.
If not specified, continue until the division terminates or shows a clear recurring pattern.

6. What is an example of long division to two decimal places?

An example of long division to two decimal places is 10 ÷ 3 calculated as 3.33 (to two decimal places). Steps:

  • 3 goes into 10 = 3 remainder 1.
  • Add decimal and zero → 10 ÷ 3 = 3 remainder 1.
  • Add another zero → 10 ÷ 3 = 3.
The exact answer is 3.333..., but to two decimal places it is 3.33.

7. What happens if the division does not end?

If the division does not end, it becomes a recurring (repeating) decimal. This means a digit or group of digits repeats forever.

  • Example: 1 ÷ 3 = 0.333...
  • This is written as 0.3̅.
Such decimals are called recurring decimals or repeating decimals.

8. How do you divide when the divisor is a decimal?

When the divisor is a decimal, multiply both the divisor and dividend by a power of 10 to make the divisor a whole number before dividing. Steps:

  • Example: 6 ÷ 0.5
  • Multiply both by 10 → 60 ÷ 5
  • 60 ÷ 5 = 12
This keeps the value the same while simplifying the long division.

9. Why do we add zeros in long division with decimals?

We add zeros in long division with decimals to continue dividing and get a more precise decimal answer. Adding zeros after a decimal does not change the number’s value.

  • Example: 4 = 4.0 = 4.00
  • This allows division like 4 ÷ 5 = 0.8.
Zeros help extend the division to the required decimal places.

10. What are common mistakes in long division to decimal places?

Common mistakes in long division to decimal places include incorrect decimal placement and stopping too early. Watch out for:

  • Misplacing the decimal point in the quotient.
  • Forgetting to add zeros when needed.
  • Not rounding correctly to the required decimal place.
  • Calculation errors in multiplication or subtraction steps.
Careful alignment and checking each step prevents errors in decimal division.