Whether you're helping your child with their homework, brushing up on your own basic arithmetic skills, or simply tackling a quick calculation on the fly, understanding how to solve 120 divided by 6 is fundamental. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the simple steps to compute this division, provide practical examples, and delve into related mathematical concepts that can enhance your understanding. Let's dive in and master division together!
Understanding Division
Division is the mathematical operation where one number (the dividend) is split into several equal parts, another number (the divisor). The result is known as the quotient, and sometimes you might end up with a remainder.
Here are the key terms:
- Dividend: The number being divided (in our case, 120).
- Divisor: The number dividing the dividend (here, 6).
- Quotient: The result of the division (what we're looking to find).
- Remainder: The part of the dividend left over after dividing as equally as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to 120 Divided by 6
Step 1: Set Up the Division Problem
Start by setting up the division problem:
120 ÷ 6
Step 2: Estimate the Quotient
To get an idea of what the quotient might be, you can use mental math or basic estimation techniques. For instance:
- 6 goes into 120 exactly 20 times since 6 x 20 = 120.
Step 3: Divide Digit by Digit
For a more detailed approach:
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Divide the first digit: 6 goes into 1 once (1). Write 1 above the first digit of the dividend (1).
-
Subtract: Subtract 1 from 1, which gives you 0, then bring down the next digit (2) to make it 02.
-
Divide the new number: Now, 6 goes into 02 0 times; write a 0 above the 2, and bring down the next digit (0) to make it 020.
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Continue: 6 goes into 20 3 times (6 x 3 = 18). Write 3 above the 0, then subtract 18 from 20, which gives 2. Bring down the last digit (0) to make it 20.
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Final division: 6 goes into 20 3 times.
Your quotient is now fully above the dividend:
20
--
6|120
Step 4: Verify Your Work
- Multiply the quotient by the divisor: 20 x 6 = 120
- Check that this equals the dividend, which confirms your division is correct.
Step 5: Write the Final Answer
The final answer is:
120 ÷ 6 = 20
<p class="pro-note">🧠 Pro Tip: Always double-check your calculations by multiplying the quotient back with the divisor.</p>
Practical Examples and Applications
Let's explore some real-life applications where you might need to solve a problem like 120 divided by 6:
Example 1: Sharing Money Equally
Imagine you have $120 to share equally among six friends. Here, each friend would get:
- Answer: $120 ÷ 6 = $20 each.
Example 2: Time Management
If you have 120 minutes to complete six equal tasks, how much time should you allocate to each:
- Answer: 120 minutes ÷ 6 = 20 minutes per task.
Example 3: Cooking Portions
You're making a recipe that serves six people, and you want to prepare 120 servings. You would need:
- Answer: 120 ÷ 6 = 20 times the original recipe to achieve that.
Advanced Techniques and Tips
Shortcuts:
-
For multiples of 10, you can often simplify the calculation mentally. If 120 was instead 126, you'd round down to 120 and add back later if needed.
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If your divisor has a common factor with the dividend (like 6 and 12), you can factor this out first to simplify calculations.
Advanced Division:
- In more complex numbers or when dividing by larger numbers, consider the Long Division Method or use a calculator for precision.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes:
- Alignment: Always ensure your numbers are aligned correctly in long division to avoid calculation errors.
- Check for Remainders: If you end up with a remainder, you might need to round or deal with fractional answers depending on the context.
Troubleshooting:
- If your numbers don't divide evenly, consider using the remainder in your answer or rounding for an approximate solution.
<p class="pro-note">🧮 Pro Tip: Use division to quickly check multiplication problems and vice versa for error checking.</p>
Wrapping Up: The Beauty of Division
Solving 120 divided by 6 is not just about the calculation but about understanding the flow of numbers and their relationships. We've not only learned how to perform this operation but also how it applies in practical scenarios, enhancing our problem-solving skills.
As you continue your journey in mathematics, remember that every operation you learn opens new doors to understanding more complex concepts.
Explore More Tutorials:
If you found this guide useful, take a moment to explore related tutorials on basic arithmetic, algebra, and the joy of learning math. There's always more to discover, from understanding fractions to tackling more complex equations.
<p class="pro-note">🔍 Pro Tip: Never stop learning; each mathematical skill learned is a step toward greater comprehension.</p>
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the quotient when 120 is divided by 6?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The quotient when 120 is divided by 6 is 20.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a remainder when 120 is divided by 6?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, 120 divided by 6 leaves no remainder.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I check if my division is correct?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Multiply the quotient by the divisor. If it equals the dividend, your division is correct.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can division be applied in daily life?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, division is used in various situations like splitting bills, managing time, or dividing resources.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is it useful to know division by 6?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Knowing division by 6 helps in understanding proportions, as 6 is a common number in groups and measurements.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>