To multiply a whole number by 10, we attach a zero to the end of the number.

For example, to find the value of 52\times 10, we attach an extra zero to the end of 52{:}

52\times 10 = 52{\color{blue}{0}}

We know that multiplication and division are opposite operations. So, to divide a number by ten, we remove a zero from the end of the number. For example,

\require{cancel} 520 \div 10 = 52\!\cancel{0} = 52.

Watch Out! This method only works for whole numbers that end in at least one zero.

FLAG

Find the value of 3,500 \div 10.

EXPLANATION

Notice that the dividend (3,500) is a whole number ending in a zero.

To divide a whole number ending in zero by 10, we remove the final zero as follows:

\begin{align*} \require{cancel} 3,500 \div 10 &= \\[5pt] 3,50\!\cancel{0} &= \\[5pt] 350& \end{align*}

FLAG

Solve the following division problem. Express your answer as a whole number.

a
b
c
d
e

$4,200 \div 10 = $

a
$42$
b
$40$
c
$42,000$
d
$420$
e
$400$

Solve the following division problem. Express your answer as a whole number.

a
b
c
d
e

A secretary evenly distributes 1,600 photocopies among 10 folders. How many photocopies does each folder contain?

EXPLANATION

To determine the number of photocopies in each folder, we need to calculate the value of 1,600\div 10.

Notice that the dividend (1,600) is a whole number ending in a zero.

To divide a whole number ending in zero by 10, we remove the final zero as follows: \begin{align*} \require{cancel} 1,600 \div 10 &= \\[5pt] 1,60\!\cancel{0} &= \\[5pt] 160& \end{align*}

Therefore, each folder contains 160 photocopies.

FLAG

A bag of $50$ lollipops is evenly distributed between $10$ kids. How many lollipops does each kid receive?

a
$15$
b
$25$
c
$10$
d
$20$
e
$5$

If $2,100$ cars are evenly parked in $10$ parking lots, how many cars are parked in each parking lot?

a
$120$
b
$12$
c
$211$
d
$21$
e
$210$

We can use a similar method to divide whole numbers by 100 and 1,000.

To divide a number by one hundred, we remove two zeros from the end of the number. For example,

\require{cancel} 6,500 \div 100 = 6,5\!\cancel{00} = 65.

This method only works for whole numbers that end in at least two zeros.

Similarly, to divide a whole number by one thousand, we remove three zeros from the end of the number. For example,

\require{cancel} 32,000 \div 1,000 = 32,\!\!\cancel{000} = 32.

This method only works for whole numbers that end in at least three zeros.

FLAG

Due to the rupture of a pipe that supplies water to a small town, 28,000 liters of water were lost over a period of 100 minutes. How much water was lost every minute?

EXPLANATION

To determine how much water was lost each minute, we must calculate the value of 28,000 \div 100.

Notice that the dividend (28,000) is a whole number ending in two zeros.

To divide a whole number ending in two zeros by 100, we remove the final two zeros as follows: \begin{align*} \require{cancel} 28,000 \div 100 &= \\[5pt] 28,0\!\cancel{00} &= \\[5pt] 280& \end{align*}

Therefore, 280 liters of water was lost every minute.

FLAG

$49,000 \div 100 = $

a
$490$
b
$49$
c
$4,910$
d
$4,900$
e
$491$

$590,000 \div 100 = $

a
$5,910$
b
$59,000$
c
$590$
d
$5,900$
e
$59,100$

Find the value of 450,000 \div 1,000.

EXPLANATION

Notice that the dividend (450,000) is a whole number ending in three zeros.

To divide a whole number ending in three zeros by 1,000, we remove the final three zeros as follows: \begin{align*} \require{cancel} 450,000 \div 1,000 &= \\[5pt] 450,\!\!\cancel{000} &= \\[5pt] 450& \end{align*}

FLAG

$230,000 \div 1,000 = $

a
$23,000$
b
$2,300$
c
$1,2300$
d
$230$
e
$23$

$2,500,000 \div 1,000 = $

a
$250$
b
$250,000$
c
$25,000$
d
$2,500$
e
$25$
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