Division Word Problems Solver
Master division concepts through real-world word problems with guided solutions
Learning Tip: Try solving the problem yourself before viewing the solution. This builds deeper understanding.
How to use: Select a problem type and difficulty, then generate a problem to solve.
Division Problem Generator
Step-by-Step Solution
Division Strategies
- Identify whether the problem is about equal groups or sharing
- Determine if remainders should be expressed as fractions, decimals, or left as remainders
Create Your Own Division Problem
Understanding Division Word Problems
Partitive vs. Quotative
Division problems fall into two main categories:
- Partitive (Sharing): Dividing into known number of groups (How many in each?)
- Quotative (Measurement): Dividing into groups of known size (How many groups?)
Key Division Terms
Dividend
The number being divided
Divisor
The number dividing the dividend
Quotient
The result of division
Remainder
Amount left over
Expert Tip: Draw diagrams or use counters to visualize division problems. This helps understand what's happening with the numbers.
Common Division Problem Types
Equal Groups
Example:
"A teacher has 36 pencils to distribute equally to 9 students. How many pencils does each student get?"
Solution Approach: 36 ÷ 9 = 4 pencils per student
Fair Sharing
Example:
"24 cookies are shared equally among 5 friends. How many cookies does each get, and how many are left over?"
Solution Approach: 24 ÷ 5 = 4 R4 (4 cookies each, 4 left)
Arrays/Area
Example:
"A rectangular garden has an area of 48 sq. feet and is 6 feet wide. How long is the garden?"
Solution Approach: Area ÷ width = length (48 ÷ 6 = 8 feet)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to divide in a word problem?
Look for key phrases like "divided equally," "shared equally," "per," "each," or "for every." These often indicate division is needed to find how much each group gets or how many groups can be made.
What should I do with remainders in word problems?
Interpret remainders based on the problem's context. Sometimes you round up, sometimes down, sometimes report as a fraction/decimal, and sometimes leave as a remainder. Our solutions explain how to handle each case.
What's the difference between 'equal groups' and 'sharing' division?
Equal groups problems know how many groups but not items per group (15 ÷ 3 = 5). Sharing problems know items per group but not how many groups (15 ÷ 5 = 3). Both use division but represent different situations.
How can I check if my division answer is correct?
Multiply the quotient by the divisor and add the remainder. It should equal the dividend. For example: (17 ÷ 5 = 3 R2) → check 5 × 3 + 2 = 17.
When should I use long division vs. mental math?
Use mental math for simple divisions (up to 12×12 facts). Use long division for multi-digit problems. Our tool shows both methods so you can choose what works best.