Word problems with division often involve sharing from a total number. Take note which number is the dividend and which should be the divisor to solve the problem correctly.
Example:
Rosie has 60 sweets. If she gave her friends 3 sweets each, how many friends can she share her sweets with?
Solution:
[60 sweets] ÷ [3 for each friend]
60 ÷ 3 = 20 friends
Dividing can also be seen as a number of times that one quantity can be taken from a total. Take note what the question is asking for – sometimes the question may ask for the remainder rather than the quotient.
Example:
Sam has $17. He wants to buy some hot dogs at $3 each.
a) How many hot dogs can he buy?
b) How much money would he have left?
Solution:
[$17] ÷ [3 per hot dog]
17 ÷ 3 = 5 R 2
a) He can buy 5 hot dogs (Answer from the quotient)
b) He would have $2 left (Answer from the remainder)
Division word problem example
Examples of word problems that require different types of operations
Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.
Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.