Solve the Decimal Division: 3.1 ÷ 15.5 Step-by-Step

Decimal Division with Place Value Method

3.1:15.5= 3.1:15.5=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:06 Convert each decimal number to a whole number
00:32 We will use long division between whole numbers
00:50 Add the next digit, divide and substitute
00:59 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

3.1:15.5= 3.1:15.5=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Convert the original decimals into whole numbers.
  • Perform the division.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert the numbers to whole numbers by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 10 to eliminate the decimals. Specifically, we have:

3.1÷15.53.1×1015.5×10=31155 3.1 \div 15.5 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \frac{3.1 \times 10}{15.5 \times 10} = \frac{31}{155}

Step 2: Perform the division:

31155=0.2 \frac{31}{155} \quad = \quad 0.2

Upon performing the division 31÷15531 \div 155, we find that the quotient is indeed 0.20.2.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 0.2 0.2 .

3

Final Answer

0.2 0.2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Multiply both numbers by same power of 10 to eliminate decimals
  • Technique: 3.1÷15.5 3.1 \div 15.5 becomes 31÷155 31 \div 155 when multiplying by 10
  • Check: Multiply answer by divisor: 0.2×15.5=3.1 0.2 \times 15.5 = 3.1

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Moving decimal points different amounts
    Don't move the decimal point 1 place in 3.1 but 2 places in 15.5 = unequal scaling! This changes the value of your division completely. Always multiply both numbers by the exact same power of 10.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

22.1-12.0

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just divide 3.1 by 15.5 directly?

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You absolutely can! But converting to whole numbers first makes the calculation much easier and reduces errors. It's the same as simplifying fractions before multiplying.

How do I know what power of 10 to use?

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Look at the number with more decimal places. Both 3.1 and 15.5 have 1 decimal place, so multiply by 101=10 10^1 = 10 . If one had 2 places, use 100.

What if my answer has more decimal places than expected?

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Check your division carefully! Sometimes you get repeating decimals or need to round. For 31÷155 31 \div 155 , the exact answer is 0.2 with no repeating.

Can I use a calculator for this?

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Of course! But learning this method helps you understand decimal division better and catch calculator mistakes. Plus, it's faster for simple problems like this one.

Why does multiplying both numbers by 10 not change the answer?

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It's like the fraction rule: 3.115.5=3.1×1015.5×10=31155 \frac{3.1}{15.5} = \frac{3.1 \times 10}{15.5 \times 10} = \frac{31}{155} . You're multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number, so the value stays equal!

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