The idea, step by step
Division finds a missing group number
If 5 groups of 4 make 20, then 20 shared between 5 equal groups gives 4 in each. We write 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
The same total can be grouped into fours. There will be 5 groups, so 20 ÷ 4 = 5. The answers are linked, but what they count is different.
Ask the missing multiplication question
For 28 ÷ 4, ask: four times which number makes 28? Since 4 × 7 = 28, the quotient is 7.
Check a division answer by multiplying it by the divisor. If 30 ÷ 5 = 6, then 6 × 5 should return 30. Always include whether the answer means people, bags, groups or items per group.
A common trap
Writing the larger visible number first in every linked multiplication fact without explaining the groups.
Instead: Identify the group size and number of groups. Both multiplication orders give the total, but division asks for one particular missing quantity.
See the thinking
Share equally
Share 24 stickers equally between 3 children. How many does each child get?
- Find 24 ÷ 3.
- Use the linked fact 3 × 8 = 24.
- Each child gets eight, and 3 × 8 checks the total.
Make groups
Put 35 cards into packs of 5. How many packs can be made?
- Find how many groups of five make 35.
- 7 × 5 = 35.
Check your understanding
Use 4 × 9 = 36 to find 36 ÷ 9.
Show answer
4
Four groups of nine make 36.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Calculate 18 ÷ 3.
- Calculate 40 ÷ 5.
- Calculate 32 ÷ 4.
- Write two division facts linked to 2 × 9 = 18.
- Forty counters are shared equally between 4 teams. How many counters does each team get?
- There are 30 apples. Each bag holds 3 apples. How many bags are needed?
Read the worked solutions
- Calculate 18 ÷ 3.
3 × 6 = 18.
6 - Calculate 40 ÷ 5.
5 × 8 = 40.
8 - Calculate 32 ÷ 4.
4 × 8 = 32.
8 - Write two division facts linked to 2 × 9 = 18.
Each division finds one of the two factors.
18 ÷ 2 = 9 and 18 ÷ 9 = 2. - Forty counters are shared equally between 4 teams. How many counters does each team get?
40 ÷ 4 = 10; check 4 × 10 = 40.
10 counters per team. - There are 30 apples. Each bag holds 3 apples. How many bags are needed?
30 ÷ 3 = 10; check 10 × 3 = 30.
10 bags.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics
Tables 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10; linked division; arrays; one-/two-digit problems.
Official curriculum source ↗