Division

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In mathematics, division is an arithmetic operation which is the inverse of multiplication.

Definition

If $a=bc$ and $b\ne 0$, then $\frac{a}{b}=c$, where $a$ is the dividend, $b$ is the divisor, and $c$ is the quotient.

Conventions

If the quotient is not a whole number, it is usually written in decimal form: $5\div2=2.5$. Sometimes, it is written with its remainder: $5\div2=2\text{, remainder }1$.

Dividing by fractions

If you divide by a fraction, multiply the dividend by the divisor's reciprocal (Note: You will see a definition of a reciprocal if you go to the article Ordinary Multiplication.

Dividing by 0

You CANNOT divide by 0!

See Also