In mathematics, especially in elementary arithmetic, division (รท) is the arithmetic operation that is the inverse of multiplication. Division can be described as repeated subtraction whereas multiplication is repeated addition.
Specifically, if c times b equals a, written:
where b is not zero, then a divided by b equals c, written:
For instance,
since
- .
In the above expression, a is called the dividend, b the divisor and c the quotient.
Conceptually, division describes two distinct but related settings. Partitioning involves taking a set of size a and forming b groups that are equal in size. The size of each group formed, c, is the quotient of a and b. Quotative division involves taking a set of size a and forming groups of size b. The number of groups of this size that can be formed, c, is the quotient of a and b[1].
Teaching division usually leads to the concept of fractions being introduced to students. Unlike addition, subtraction, and multiplication, the set of all integers is not closed under division. Dividing two integers may result in a remainder. To complete the division of the remainder, the number system is extended to include fractions or rational numbers as they are more generally called.
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Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:43:43 GM
As with other basic skills, . division. is best taught on a number line at the beginningthroughout the topic wherever possible. We will start with how to divide on a number line to build confidence in the numbers themselves, ...
