Think Multiplication to Find a Quotient
Turn the division into a times fact with a blank. The blank is the quotient.
Division asks how many groups, or how many in each group. That is the same question as a times fact with a hole in it. 24 ÷ 6 means 6 groups make 24, so 6 × ? = 24. You are not learning a new table. You are reading the one you have from the other side.
Keep 6 as one factor and leave the other factor blank. Run along the 6s until the product is 24. 6 × 4 = 24, so the blank is 4. That blank is the quotient: 24 ÷ 6 = 4. Check by multiplying back: 6 × 4 really is 24.
- Keep the divisor as one factor.
- Write the dividend as the product.
- Leave a blank for the other factor.
- Fill the blank from the times table. That number is the quotient.
18 ÷ 3 asks 3 × ? = 18. 3 × 6 = 18, so 18 ÷ 3 = 6. 35 ÷ 5 asks 5 × ? = 35. 5 × 7 = 35, so 35 ÷ 5 = 7. 42 ÷ 6 asks 6 × ? = 42. 6 × 7 = 42, so 42 ÷ 6 = 7.
Watch out
- Answering with the product. 24 is the number being split, not the quotient.
- Swapping the divisor and the quotient in the times fact.
- Stopping at a nearby fact, such as 6 × 3 = 18, when the product has to be exact.
What is 18 ÷ 3?
3 × 6 = 18, so the blank is 6. 18 ÷ 3 = 6.
What is 35 ÷ 5?
5 × 7 = 35, so 35 ÷ 5 = 7.
Math practice for Think Multiplication
Division
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