Dividing shares a number into equal groups. 48 ÷ 6 asks how many sixes fit into 48. Because division undoes multiplication, use your tables: 6 × 8 = 48, so 48 ÷ 6 = 8. Every division fact has a matching multiplication fact — find the one you know.
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Equal groups
3 × 4 = 12
12 ÷ 3 = 4
The same picture shows multiplication and division. Each group must have the same number.
Words to know
- dividend
- the number being shared
- divisor
- the size of each group (or number of groups)
- quotient
- the answer to a division
Worked examples
12 ÷ 3
- 1.How many 3s in 12?
- 2.3 × 4 = 12, so 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
= 4
48 ÷ 6
- 1.How many 6s in 48?
- 2.6 × 8 = 48, so 48 ÷ 6 = 8.
= 8
45 ÷ 9
- 1.How many 9s in 45?
- 2.9 × 5 = 45, so 45 ÷ 9 = 5.
= 5
For parents
Method: Link division to the times table.
What to say: Ask 'six times what makes 48?' rather than treating division as new.
Common mistakes:
- Subtracting instead of dividing.
- Recalling the table fact one out (48 ÷ 6 → 7).