enVision Mathematics Grade 5, Topic 6: Use Models and Strategies to Divide Decimals
In this unit, your child divides with decimals: splitting a cost evenly, dividing by 10 or 100, and dividing one decimal by another. Models and estimation help them see whether a quotient should be larger or smaller than the starting number. It finishes the decimal work after dividing whole numbers, before the class moves on to adding and subtracting fractions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 6?
- Dividing decimals by 10, 100, and 1,000, so 6.5 ÷ 10 = 0.65, and seeing each digit shift to the right. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1,000
- Dividing decimals by whole numbers and by decimals, like 4.8 ÷ 0.6 = 8, using models and estimates to check. Learn more about adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths: Adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths · Learn more about multiplying decimals to hundredths · Learn more about dividing decimals to hundredths
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Amara's family packs rice for a food bank in bags of 1.5 kilograms. How many kilograms of rice are in 10 bags?
- 0.15 kilograms
- 15 kilograms
- 11.5 kilograms
How you can help
- Split a pizza bill evenly with your child, like $27.60 among 4 people. Ask them to estimate first, then divide to find $6.90 each.
- Pour a 2-liter bottle of water into 0.25-liter cups. Ask your child to predict how many cups it fills, then check that 2 ÷ 0.25 is 8.
- Look at a bulk package at the store, like 10 pounds of rice for $12.50. Ask your child to find the cost per pound, $1.25, and explain the digit shift.
Where kids can get stuck
- Moving the decimal point the wrong way when dividing, so 6.5 ÷ 10 becomes 65 instead of 0.65.
- Expecting division to always shrink a number, so 2 ÷ 0.25 = 8 looks wrong to them.
- Dropping the decimal point in the quotient, so $27.60 ÷ 4 becomes 690 instead of 6.90.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- dividend
- The number being divided, like 32 in 32 ÷ 4.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 4 in 32 ÷ 4.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem, like 8 in 32 ÷ 4 = 8.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates the whole number from the parts smaller than one.
- power of 10
- 10, 100, 1,000, and so on: each one is ten times the one before.
- estimate
- A close guess found with easier numbers, used to check whether an answer makes sense.
- hundredth
- One of 100 equal parts of a whole, written 0.01 or 1/100.
Want to help your child master dividing decimals?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 6 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 6 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.