3
Dividing with counters
Discover Mathematics P3: Term 1, Lessons 41–50
GoalUse counters to divide by sharing equally and by making equal groups.
New words
divide · to split into equal groupsquotient · the answer to a divisioncounter · a small object we use to count and to show a problem
Explanation
Division splits a number into equal groups. We can act it out with counters. For 36 ÷ 6, put 36 counters in a pile and share them one by one among 6 plates. Each plate gets 6, so 36 ÷ 6 = 6. We can also make groups of 6 and count the groups: there are 6 groups. Division is the opposite of multiplication, so we can check with 6 × 6 = 36. The answer to a division is called the quotient.
Worked examples
21 ÷ 3. Make groups of 3 counters from 21 counters. There are 7 groups, so 21 ÷ 3 = 7. Check: 7 × 3 = 21.
48 ÷ 12. Make groups of 12 counters from 48 counters. There are 4 groups, so 48 ÷ 12 = 4. Check: 4 × 12 = 48.
Rahma shares 20 oranges equally among 4 baskets, one by one. Each basket gets 5 oranges, so 20 ÷ 4 = 5. The rows of the picture show the 4 baskets.
Class activity
Counter sharing. Take 36 beans or bottle caps. Share them equally among 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 plates, one at a time. Each time write the division and how many are on a plate. Which numbers of plates share them with none left over?
Practice
1
24 counters are shared among 4 plates. How many counters are on each plate?
24 ÷ 4 = 6 counters on each plate. Check: 4 × 6 = 24.
2
Mostafa shares 45 stickers equally among 5 children. How many does each child get?
45 ÷ 5 = 9 stickers. Check: 5 × 9 = 45.
3
30 pencils are put in boxes of 6. How many boxes are needed?
30 ÷ 6 = 5 boxes.
4
There are 55 chairs in a hall in rows of 11. How many rows are there?
55 ÷ 11 = 5 rows. Check: 5 × 11 = 55.
5
Nour says 28 ÷ 4 = 24, because 28 − 4 = 24. What is wrong? How can she check?
She subtracted. Division finds equal groups. 28 ÷ 4 = 7, because 4 × 7 = 28.