Solve the Division Problem: 74 ÷ 4 Step-by-Step

Q: Can I use the decomposition method for any division?

Yes! Breaking numbers into easier parts works great. Just make sure both parts in your decomposition are easy to divide by your divisor.

Q: How do I know 6 ÷ 4 equals 1.5?

Think of it as $ \frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5 $. You can also use long division: 6 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 2, and $ \frac{2}{4} = 0.5 $, so 1 + 0.5 = 1.5.

Q: Is there another way to solve 74 ÷ 4?

Yes! You can use traditional long division or convert to fractions: $ \frac{74}{4} = \frac{37}{2} = 18.5 $. All methods should give the same answer.

Q: How can I check if 18.5 is really correct?

Multiply backwards: 18.5 × 4. Calculate: (18 × 4) + (0.5 × 4) = 72 + 2 = 74 ✓. Since we get our original number back, the answer is correct!

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Using the distributive law, let's find two numbers divisible by 4

00:07 Let's break down 74 into 80 minus 6

00:10 Let's divide each factor separately

00:21 Let's solve each division and then subtract

00:32 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

Solve the exercise:

=74:4

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to simplify the resolution process we begin by breaking down the number 74 into a subtraction exercise:

We choose numbers divisible by:

$(80-6):4=$

Next we divide each of the terms inside of the parentheses by 4:

$80:4=20$

$6:4=1.5$

Lastly we subtract the result that we obtained:

$20-1.5=18.5$

3

Final Answer

18.5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When division doesn't result in whole numbers, express as decimals
Technique: Use decomposition: 74 = 80 - 6, then divide each part
Check: Multiply result back: 18.5 × 4 = 74 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Rounding to nearest whole number
Don't round 18.5 to 19 because division 'should give whole numbers' = wrong answer! Division often produces decimals, and that's mathematically correct. Always keep the exact decimal result unless specifically asked to round.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 140-70= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is the answer 18.5 instead of a whole number?

+

Not all division problems result in whole numbers! When 74 doesn't divide evenly by 4, we get a decimal remainder. This is completely normal and mathematically correct.

Can I use the decomposition method for any division?

+

Yes! Breaking numbers into easier parts works great. Just make sure both parts in your decomposition are easy to divide by your divisor.

How do I know 6 ÷ 4 equals 1.5?

+

Think of it as $\frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5$ . You can also use long division: 6 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 2, and $\frac{2}{4} = 0.5$ , so 1 + 0.5 = 1.5.

Is there another way to solve 74 ÷ 4?

+

Yes! You can use traditional long division or convert to fractions: $\frac{74}{4} = \frac{37}{2} = 18.5$ . All methods should give the same answer.

How can I check if 18.5 is really correct?

+

Multiply backwards: 18.5 × 4. Calculate: (18 × 4) + (0.5 × 4) = 72 + 2 = 74 ✓. Since we get our original number back, the answer is correct!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

Solve the Division Problem: 74 ÷ 4 Step-by-Step

Long Division with Decimal Results

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!