Dividing by a Whole Number

To divide a decimal by a whole number, divide as usual and keep the point where it is. In 7.5 / 3, 3 goes into 7 twice with 1 left over. That 1 is a whole, which is 10 tenths, so together with the 5 tenths there are 15 tenths still to share.

3 goes into 15 tenths 5 times, giving 5 tenths. So 7.5 / 3 is 2.5: the point in the answer sits right above the point in 7.5.

Another way to see it: 7.5 is 75 tenths, and 75 tenths shared by 3 is 25 tenths, which is 2.5. Either way, check by multiplying back: 2.5 · 3 is 7.5.