To calculate 140 divided by 9, we can follow a simple step-by-step approach. Division is essentially the process of sharing a certain quantity into equal parts. In this case, we want to share 140 into 9 equal parts.
Step 1: Understanding Division
Division can be thought of as repeated subtraction. For example, dividing 140 by 9 can be seen as how many times we can subtract 9 from 140 until we get to zero. However, this method is not very efficient for large numbers. Instead, we use the standard division method or mental math tricks.
Step 2: Using the Standard Division Method
The standard division method involves dividing the dividend (140) by the divisor (9) by finding how many times the divisor fits into parts of the dividend.
- Start with the hundreds place: 100 divided by 9 is 11 with a remainder of 1 (because 9*11=99). So, we write 11 on top and subtract 99 from 140, leaving us with 41.
- Next, divide the remainder: 41 divided by 9 gives us 4 with a remainder of 5 (because 9*4=36). So, we write 4 after the 1 (making 15.4 so far) and we have a remainder of 5.
- Continue for the decimal places: To find how much of 9 fits into 5 (the remainder), we add a decimal place to our quotient and a zero to our remainder, turning 5 into 50. 50 divided by 9 gives us 5 with a remainder of 5. So, we write 5 after the decimal point (making 15.55 so far) and we still have a remainder of 5.
- Repeat for further decimal places: Again, adding another zero to the remainder, turning 5 into 50. 50 divided by 9 gives us 5 with a remainder of 5. This pattern will continue indefinitely because we’re always left with a remainder of 5 when dividing by 9.
Step 3: Result
This process results in the quotient 15.555… where the 5 repeats infinitely. Therefore, 140 divided by 9 equals 15.555… (often represented as 15.56 when rounded to two decimal places for simplicity).
Practical Application
In practical terms, if you had 140 items to distribute evenly among 9 people, each person would get 15 items and there would be a remainder, which could be distributed in some other manner or kept aside.
Conclusion
Division, as seen in the calculation of 140 divided by 9, can be broken down into manageable steps, making even seemingly complex calculations accessible. Whether through standard division, mental math tricks, or understanding division as repeated subtraction, there are multiple paths to finding the quotient, each with its own benefits depending on the context and personal preference.
