In this activity, we will divide whole numbers by 10 and 100.
When we divide by 10, we shift each digit one place to the right.
So 64 ÷ 10 = 6.4
When we divide by 100, we shift each digit two places to the right.
So 64 ÷ 100 = 0.64
Notice how we needed to put a place holder in the ones column to show there are 0 ones.
Example
Work out:
37 ÷ 100
Answer
Shift each digit two places to the right (and add a 0 as a place holder to show there are 0 ones)
So 37 ÷ 100 = 0.37
Example
Work out:
7 ÷ 100
Answer
Shift each digit two places to the right.
We need to use place holders in the ones and tenths columns to show there are 0 ones and 0 tenths.
So 7 ÷ 100 = 0.07
Example
Work out:
30 ÷ 100
Answer
Shift each digit two places to the right.
Leave off the last zero - we don't need to show that there are no hundredths.
So 30 ÷ 100 = 0.30 = 0.3
Are you ready to try some for yourself?