Solve Decimal Division: Finding the Quotient of 15.5 ÷ 3.1

Decimal Division with Multiplier Method

15.5:3.1= 15.5:3.1=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 Let's solve the problem together.
00:08 First, change each decimal number into a whole number by multiplying by the right power of ten.
00:30 Now, divide the whole numbers to find the quotient.
00:37 And there you have it! That's the solution to our question.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

15.5:3.1= 15.5:3.1=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve 15.5÷3.1 15.5 \div 3.1 , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the division into a simpler problem by removing decimals.
  • Step 2: Perform the division on whole numbers.
  • Step 3: Verify the solution and relate it back to the original decimal division.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Both numbers, 15.5 and 3.1, have one decimal place. To remove the decimal point, multiply both by 10:
15.5×10=155 15.5 \times 10 = 155
3.1×10=31 3.1 \times 10 = 31

Step 2: Perform the division 155÷31 155 \div 31 , which simplifies to finding how many times 31 fits into 155:

155÷31=5 155 \div 31 = 5

Step 3: Verify the correctness by multiplying back:
5×31=155 5 \times 31 = 155 , confirming that the division is accurate.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 5 5 .

3

Final Answer

5 5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Multiply both numbers by same power of 10 to eliminate decimals
  • Technique: Convert 15.5÷3.1 15.5 \div 3.1 to 155÷31 155 \div 31 by multiplying by 10
  • Check: Verify by multiplying quotient times divisor: 5×31=155 5 \times 31 = 155

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Moving decimal points different amounts in dividend and divisor
    Don't move the decimal 1 place in 15.5 but 2 places in 3.1 = wrong answer like 50! This creates an unequal scaling that changes the problem completely. Always move the decimal point the same number of places in both numbers.

Practice Quiz

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Solve the following exercise:

22.1-12.0

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply both numbers by 10?

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Both 15.5 and 3.1 have one decimal place, so multiplying by 10 removes all decimals. This creates the equivalent problem 155÷31 155 \div 31 , which is much easier to solve!

What if the decimals have different numbers of places?

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Always multiply by the highest power of 10 needed. For example, if you have 12.34 ÷ 5.6, multiply both by 100 (since 12.34 has 2 decimal places) to get 1234 ÷ 560.

How do I know 155 ÷ 31 equals 5?

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Think: "How many times does 31 fit into 155?" Since 31×5=155 31 \times 5 = 155 exactly, the answer is 5. You can also use long division if needed.

Will my final answer always be a whole number?

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Not always! In this problem we got 5, but many decimal divisions result in decimal answers. The key is following the same process regardless of the final answer type.

Can I just use a calculator instead?

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While calculators work, understanding this method helps you estimate answers and catch calculator errors. Plus, it builds number sense that's useful in algebra!

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