Solve the Decimal Division: 4.2 ÷ 0.01 Step-by-Step

Q: Why does dividing by 0.01 make the number bigger?

Think of it this way: 0.01 means 'one hundredth', so you're asking 'how many hundredths fit into 4.2?' Since hundredths are tiny pieces, many of them fit, making your answer large!

Q: How do I remember which way to move the decimal points?

Use this trick: count the decimal places in the divisor. For 0.01 (2 decimal places), move both decimal points 2 places right: 4.2 becomes 420, and 0.01 becomes 1.

Q: What if I get confused about multiplying by 100?

Don't worry about memorizing rules! Just use the decimal point method: move both decimal points the same number of places right until the divisor becomes a whole number.

Q: Can I use a calculator for this?

Yes, but understanding the method helps you estimate answers and catch calculator errors. Try $ 4.2 ÷ 0.01 $ on your calculator to verify you get 420!

Q: Why is my answer so much bigger than 4.2?

That's correct! When you divide by very small numbers like 0.01, you're essentially asking 'how many tiny pieces fit?' The answer is naturally much larger than your starting number.

Decimal Division with Small Divisors

$4.2:0.01=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 We'll multiply each factor by 100 to make division easier

00:33 We'll divide between the new numbers and calculate the quotient

00:39 Any number divided by 1 is always equal to itself

00:42 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$4.2:0.01=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the division $4.2 : 0.01$ , follow these steps:

Step 1: Recognize that dividing by a smaller decimal like $0.01$ is equivalent to multiplying by 100, since $0.01 = \frac{1}{100}$ .
Step 2: Convert $4.2$ and $0.01$ to whole numbers by multiplying both by 100. This results in $420$ and $1$ respectively.
Step 3: Perform division with the whole numbers: $\frac{420}{1} = 420$ .

Therefore, by dividing $4.2$ by $0.01$ and adjusting the decimal places, we find the result is $420$ .

Final Answer

$420$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Dividing by 0.01 is equivalent to multiplying by 100
Technique: Move decimal points right: 4.2 ÷ 0.01 becomes 420 ÷ 1
Check: Verify 420 × 0.01 = 4.2 to confirm division is correct ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Moving decimal point in wrong direction
Don't move the decimal point left when dividing by small decimals like 0.01 = getting 0.042! This makes the answer 10,000 times smaller than correct. Always remember: dividing by numbers smaller than 1 makes results larger, so move decimal points right.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 0.121:0.1= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does dividing by 0.01 make the number bigger?

Think of it this way: 0.01 means 'one hundredth', so you're asking 'how many hundredths fit into 4.2?' Since hundredths are tiny pieces, many of them fit, making your answer large!

How do I remember which way to move the decimal points?

Use this trick: count the decimal places in the divisor. For 0.01 (2 decimal places), move both decimal points 2 places right: 4.2 becomes 420, and 0.01 becomes 1.

What if I get confused about multiplying by 100?

Don't worry about memorizing rules! Just use the decimal point method: move both decimal points the same number of places right until the divisor becomes a whole number.

Can I use a calculator for this?

Yes, but understanding the method helps you estimate answers and catch calculator errors. Try $4.2 ÷ 0.01$ on your calculator to verify you get 420!

Why is my answer so much bigger than 4.2?

That's correct! When you divide by very small numbers like 0.01, you're essentially asking 'how many tiny pieces fit?' The answer is naturally much larger than your starting number.

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