Topic 8 of 10 · As a remainder, a fraction and a decimal
Remainders
Mr Boston
Not every number shares out exactly. What is left over is called the remainder, and there are three ways to write it.
Example: 17 ÷ 5
5 fits into 17 three times (5 × 3 = 15), with 2 left over.
As a remainder3 r 23 whole lots, 2 left over
As a fraction3 2⁄5the 2 left over shared into 5 parts
As a decimal3.42 ÷ 5 = 0.4
How to write each one
- Remainder: write the whole answer, then r, then what is left. 17 ÷ 5 = 3 r 2.
- Fraction: the remainder goes on top, the divisor goes underneath. 2 left over out of 5 = 2⁄5, so 3 2⁄5.
- Decimal: turn the fraction into a decimal. 2⁄5 = 4⁄10 = 0.4, so 3.4. With the bus stop, add a decimal point and zeros and keep dividing: 17.0 ÷ 5 = 3.4.
Useful ones to know: 1⁄2 = 0.5 · 1⁄4 = 0.25 · 3⁄4 = 0.75 · 1⁄5 = 0.2 · 1⁄8 = 0.125 · 1⁄10 = 0.1
Tayo
Which way is best? It depends! Sharing pizzas? A fraction makes sense. Sharing money? Use a decimal: £17 ÷ 5 = £3.40 each.
Practise
Answer as many as you like. Every question is new, and you get a “correct” tick for each one you get right first time.
Quiz: earn your stamp
Printable worksheet
Remainders worksheet. The questions are on the first page, and the answers for grown-ups are on the last page, so you can print just the first page for your child.
Printing is optional. A4 size.