Properties of Division

What are the Properties of Division?

The properties of division are rules that must be applied when using division. Here are the basic properties of division:

1) If a whole number is divided by any other whole number (non-zero whole number) the quotient (answer) isn't always going to result as a whole number.

Example: 18/3=6 (whole number)

              5/10=? (not a whole number)

In the second example, 5 is not a multiple of the divisor (10) so the answer isn't a whole number. In the first example, however, the dividend (18) is a multiple of the divisor (3) so the answer is a whole number.

Note: If the dividend is a multiple of the divisor, the quotient is always a whole number, otherwise not.

2) The quotient of a whole number and another whole number (non-zero) will change if the dividend and the divisor interchange places.

Example: 15/3=5 (whole number)

              3/15=? (obviously not a whole number)

              So, 15/3 and 3/15 are not equal.

Sheet 1 What are the Properties of Division