What is a division?

Division splits a number into equal parts. '12 ÷ 3' asks either 'share 12 into 3 equal groups' (4 each) or 'how many 3s are in 12?' (four). It is the inverse of multiplication, and any left over is the remainder.

Examples

• 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
• 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
• 13 ÷ 4 = 3 remainder 1.

Quick facts

• Division is the inverse of multiplication: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 because 4 × 3 = 12.
• You cannot divide by zero.