Dividing by 10: Step-by-Step Example
22 October 2026
Dividing by 10 can feel tricky at first, but it becomes simple once you see what happens to each digit. Here's a clear example to show your child how dividing by 10 changes the value of a number by moving its digits one place to the right.
Worked example
56 ÷ 10
Step 1: Look at the digits in 56. The 5 is in the tens place. The 6 is in the ones place.
Step 2: When we divide by 10, each digit moves one place to the right.
Step 3: The 5 moves from the tens to the ones place. The 6 moves from the ones to the tenths place (after the decimal point).
So, 56 ÷ 10 = 5.6
The correct answer is 5.6.
Now your child can spot how dividing by 10 changes a whole number into a decimal. This type of question often appears in 11+ maths, so practising similar problems will help build confidence.
Key insight: Dividing by 10 is all about place value. No need to remove zeros or guess. The next step is to try more questions just like this.
