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?