Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Sharing equally
Share a number into equal groups, and work out how many equal groups a number makes.
Dividing means splitting into equal groups. 12 ÷ 3 asks: if 12 things are shared between 3, how many does each one get?
Dividing undoes multiplying
If 3 × 4 = 12, then 12 ÷ 3 = 4 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3. Most times table facts you know give you two divisions for free — a square fact like 4 × 4 = 16 gives just one, because both numbers are the same.
Worked example
Share 20 beads between 4 boxes. How many in each?
Ask instead: 4 times what makes 20?
Division is a times table read backwards.
Try it together
Let us share 24 apples between 4 baskets.
Use the four times table to find it.
1.How many fours are in 24? Work out 24 ÷ 4.
Have a go
Have a go on your own: 35 ÷ 5 = ?
Hint: How many fives make thirty-five?
Ready to practice?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.