Division by 2, 3, 4 and 5
Once you know the multiplication tables of 2, 3, 4, and 5, you can divide by these numbers quickly. Division by small numbers is the first step in building your division skills.
Each divisor has simple tricks and patterns that make dividing easier.
What is Division by 2, 3, 4 and 5 - Class 3 Maths (Division)?
Dividing by 2 means splitting into 2 equal parts (halving).
Dividing by 3 means making 3 equal groups.
Dividing by 4 means making 4 equal groups (halving twice).
Dividing by 5 means making 5 equal groups.
To divide by n, ask: n × ? = dividend
Types and Properties
Quick tricks:
| Divisor | Trick |
|---|---|
| ÷ 2 | Find half the number. Even numbers divide exactly by 2. |
| ÷ 3 | Use the 3-times table backwards. 3 × 7 = 21, so 21 ÷ 3 = 7. |
| ÷ 4 | Halve the number, then halve again. 24 ÷ 4 → half of 24 = 12, half of 12 = 6. |
| ÷ 5 | Use the 5-times table backwards. Numbers ending in 0 or 5 divide exactly by 5. |
Solved Examples
Example 1: Divide by 2
Question: Find 16 ÷ 2.
Think:
- Half of 16 = 8
- Or: 2 × 8 = 16
Answer: 16 ÷ 2 = 8.
Example 2: Divide by 2 — Word Problem
Question: Ria has 14 chapatis. She divides them equally between 2 plates. How many on each plate?
Think:
- 14 ÷ 2 = 7
Answer: Each plate has 7 chapatis.
Example 3: Divide by 3
Question: Find 27 ÷ 3.
Think:
- 3 × ? = 27
- 3 × 9 = 27
Answer: 27 ÷ 3 = 9.
Example 4: Divide by 3 — Word Problem
Question: Aman has 24 marbles and makes 3 equal piles. How many marbles in each pile?
Think:
- 24 ÷ 3 = ?
- 3 × 8 = 24
Answer: Each pile has 8 marbles.
Example 5: Divide by 4
Question: Find 36 ÷ 4.
Think:
- Method 1: 4 × 9 = 36, so 36 ÷ 4 = 9
- Method 2: Half of 36 = 18, half of 18 = 9
Answer: 36 ÷ 4 = 9.
Example 6: Divide by 4 — Word Problem
Question: Priya has 32 stickers and puts them equally in 4 albums. How many stickers per album?
Think:
- 32 ÷ 4 = 8
Answer: Each album gets 8 stickers.
Example 7: Divide by 5
Question: Find 45 ÷ 5.
Think:
- 5 × 9 = 45
Answer: 45 ÷ 5 = 9.
Example 8: Divide by 5 — Word Problem
Question: Dev has ₹40. He wants to buy pencils at ₹5 each. How many pencils can he buy?
Think:
- 40 ÷ 5 = 8
Answer: Dev can buy 8 pencils.
Example 9: Mixed Practice
Question: Fill in the blanks: 18 ÷ 2 = ___, 18 ÷ 3 = ___.
Think:
- 18 ÷ 2 = 9 (half of 18)
- 18 ÷ 3 = 6 (3 × 6 = 18)
Answer: 18 ÷ 2 = 9, 18 ÷ 3 = 6.
Key Points to Remember
- Dividing by 2 means finding half.
- Dividing by 4 means halving twice.
- Use multiplication tables backwards to divide by 3 and 5.
- Even numbers divide exactly by 2.
- Numbers ending in 0 or 5 divide exactly by 5.
- Always check: quotient × divisor should give the dividend.
Practice Problems
- Find 18 ÷ 2.
- Find 21 ÷ 3.
- Find 28 ÷ 4.
- Find 35 ÷ 5.
- Meera has 30 flowers and makes 5 equal bunches. How many flowers in each bunch?
- Arjun has 24 crayons. He shares them equally among 4 friends. How many does each friend get?
- A rope is 12 metres long. It is cut into 3 equal pieces. How long is each piece?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I divide by 2 quickly?
Find half the number. Half of 14 is 7, so 14 ÷ 2 = 7. If the number is even, it always divides exactly by 2.
Q2. What is a trick for dividing by 4?
Halve the number, then halve again. For 20 ÷ 4: half of 20 is 10, half of 10 is 5. So 20 ÷ 4 = 5.
Q3. How do I know if a number divides exactly by 3?
Add all the digits. If the sum is divisible by 3, the number divides exactly by 3. For 21: 2 + 1 = 3, and 3 ÷ 3 = 1, so 21 ÷ 3 is exact.
Q4. How do I know if a number divides exactly by 5?
If the number ends in 0 or 5, it divides exactly by 5. For example, 25, 30, 45, and 50 all divide exactly by 5.
Q5. What if the number does not divide exactly?
Then there is a remainder. For example, 13 ÷ 2 = 6 remainder 1. You will learn more about remainders in the next topic.
Q6. How can I check my division answer?
Multiply the quotient by the divisor. If you get the dividend, your answer is correct. 27 ÷ 3 = 9. Check: 9 × 3 = 27. Correct.
Q7. Why is dividing by 2 called halving?
Because you split the number into 2 equal parts, which is the same as finding half. 10 ÷ 2 = 5, and 5 is half of 10.
Q8. Is this topic part of NCERT Class 3?
Yes. NCERT Class 3 Maths covers division using tables of 2, 3, 4, and 5 through sharing, grouping, and word problems.
