Solve Division Problem: 742 Divided by 4

Q: Why do I get a mixed number instead of a whole number?

You get a mixed number because 742 doesn't divide evenly by 4. There's a remainder of 2, which becomes the fraction $ \frac{1}{2} $ when simplified.

Q: How do I know when to stop dividing?

Stop when your remainder is smaller than the divisor. Since 2

Q: Can I write the answer as a decimal instead?

Yes! $ 185\frac{1}{2} $ equals 185.5 as a decimal. Both forms are correct, but mixed numbers are often preferred in elementary math.

Q: What's the easiest way to break down 742?

Think of place values! Break it into parts that are easy to divide by 4: 700 ÷ 4 = 17540 ÷ 4 = 102 ÷ 4 = ½ Then add: 175 + 10 + ½ = 185½

Q: How do I check if my mixed number answer is right?

Multiply your answer by the divisor: $ 185\frac{1}{2} \times 4 $. Convert to improper fraction: $ \frac{371}{2} \times 4 = \frac{1484}{2} = 742 $ ✓

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Let's solve this problem together.

00:08 We'll use the distributive law. It's really handy!

00:12 First, let's split 742 into 700, and 42.

00:18 Now, let's break down 700 into 400, 200, and 100.

00:25 Next, we divide 42 into 40, and 2.

00:34 We'll divide and solve each part separately. Ready?

00:52 Now, let's add up these results carefully.

01:15 We'll handle one addition at a time. Nice and easy!

01:29 And that's how we find the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$742:4=$

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to simplify the resolution process, we begin by breaking down the number 742 into a smaller addition exercise:

$(700+42):4$

We then divide the two numbers within the parentheses into smaller numbers. The numbers should be more manageable for us to divide by 4:

$(400+200+100+40+2):4=$

Following this we divide each number inside of the parentheses by 4:

$\frac{400}{4}+\frac{200}{4}+\frac{100}{4}+\frac{40}{4}+\frac{2}{4}=$

We then solve all the fractions:

$100+50+25+10+\frac{1}{2}=$

Lastly we solve the exercise from left to right:

$100+50=150$

$150+25=175$

$175+10=185$

$185+\frac{1}{2}=185\frac{1}{2}$

3

Final Answer

$185\frac{1}{2}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Divide whole number by divisor and express remainder as fraction
Technique: Break 742 into smaller parts: 700 ÷ 4 = 175, 42 ÷ 4 = 10½
Check: Multiply answer by divisor: 185½ × 4 = 742 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Converting remainder incorrectly to decimal or whole number
Don't write remainder 2 as 0.2 or ignore it completely = wrong answer! The remainder 2 when dividing by 4 becomes the fraction 2/4 = 1/2. Always express the remainder as a proper fraction with the divisor as denominator.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 140-70= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I get a mixed number instead of a whole number?

+

You get a mixed number because 742 doesn't divide evenly by 4. There's a remainder of 2, which becomes the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ when simplified.

How do I know when to stop dividing?

+

Stop when your remainder is smaller than the divisor. Since 2 < 4, you can't divide anymore, so 2 becomes your fraction part.

Can I write the answer as a decimal instead?

+

Yes! $185\frac{1}{2}$ equals 185.5 as a decimal. Both forms are correct, but mixed numbers are often preferred in elementary math.

What's the easiest way to break down 742?

+

Think of place values! Break it into parts that are easy to divide by 4:

700 ÷ 4 = 175
40 ÷ 4 = 10
2 ÷ 4 = ½

Then add: 175 + 10 + ½ = 185½

How do I check if my mixed number answer is right?

+

Multiply your answer by the divisor: $185\frac{1}{2} \times 4$ . Convert to improper fraction: $\frac{371}{2} \times 4 = \frac{1484}{2} = 742$ ✓

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Solve Division Problem: 742 Divided by 4

Long Division with Mixed Number Results

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