Go Math! Grade 5, Chapter 5: Divide Decimals
In this unit, your child divides decimals by whole numbers, by powers of 10, and by other decimals, using patterns and models to see why the decimal point moves. Estimating first, such as about 20 ÷ 4, keeps answers reasonable. After multiplying decimals, this unit finishes decimal operations before the class turns to adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 5?
- Using patterns like 45 ÷ 10 = 4.5 and 45 ÷ 100 = 0.45 to see how digits shift right when dividing by powers of 10. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1,000
- Dividing decimals by whole numbers and decimals, like 19.6 ÷ 4 = 4.9 or 1.5 ÷ 0.3 = 5, and estimating first. 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
- Ask the price of one item from a multipack, like 4 juice boxes for $3.80. Let your child estimate, about $4 ÷ 4, then divide to get $0.95.
- Cut a 1.5-meter piece of ribbon or string into 0.3-meter pieces with scissors. Ask your child to predict how many pieces, 5, then measure to check.
- Share $19.60 of birthday money among 4 people on paper. Ask your child to estimate first, about $20 ÷ 4, then find $4.90 each.
Where kids can get stuck
- Moving the decimal point the wrong way when dividing by 10, so 4.5 ÷ 10 becomes 45 instead of 0.45.
- Placing the decimal point in the quotient carelessly, so 19.6 ÷ 4 becomes 49 instead of 4.9.
- Treating 1.5 ÷ 0.3 like 1.5 ÷ 3 and answering 0.5, instead of counting how many 0.3s fit.
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 that tells how many groups, or how big each group is, in division.
- quotient
- What you get when you divide one number by another.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates the whole number from the parts smaller than one.
- power of 10
- A number made only of 10s multiplied together, like 10, 100 (10 × 10), or 1,000 (10 × 10 × 10).
- estimate
- To find an answer that is about right by rounding to friendly numbers first.
- pattern
- A list of numbers that follows a rule, like 0, 3, 6, 9.
Want to help your child master decimal division?
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 Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 5 cover?
Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 5 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.