---
title: "Dividing by 10 and 100"
description: "Find the effect of dividing a one- or two-digit number by 10 and 100, identifying the value of the digits as ones, tenths, and hundredths"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/dividing-by-10-and-100-mt_kDMKJ5Ztt6
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/dividing-by-10-and-100-mt_kDMKJ5Ztt6.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Dividing by 10 and 100

Find the effect of dividing a one- or two-digit number by 10 and 100, identifying the value of the digits as ones, tenths, and hundredths

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Fractions · Ages 8 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/dividing-by-10-and-100-mt_kDMKJ5Ztt6

## Ready when they can

- Calculate 37 ÷ 10 = 3.7 and identify 3 as ones and 7 as tenths
- Calculate 4 ÷ 100 = 0.04 and identify 4 as hundredths
- Explain that dividing by 10 shifts each digit one place to the right

## Lesson: Dividing by 10 and 100

Dividing by 10 or 100 does not erase digits. It moves each digit into a new place value column. Divide by 10, and every digit shifts one place to the right. Divide by 100, and every digit shifts two places to the right.

*(drawing: In 37, the 3 is tens and the 7 is ones. Divide by 10, and the 3 becomes ones, the 7 becomes tenths: 3.7.)*

**Example.** Now try 4 ÷ 100. The 4 starts in the ones place. Dividing by 100 shifts it two places right, past the tenths column into the hundredths column. There is nothing to fill the tenths spot, so you write a zero as a placeholder: 4 ÷ 100 = 0.04.

**Tip.** Quick check: dividing by 10 moves the decimal point one step left. Dividing by 100 moves it two steps left. The digits themselves never change, only their place value.

**Recap.** Dividing by 10 shifts every digit one place right; dividing by 100 shifts it two places right, changing each digit's value to ones, tenths, or hundredths.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Hundredths (age 8+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/hundredths-age-8-mt_doX1BhmFgk)
- [Decimal equivalents of tenths and hundredths](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/decimal-equivalents-of-tenths-and-hundredths-mt_TqDq6jyOmL)

## Opens up

- [Using Mathematical Structure](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-mathematical-structure-mt__Itf4aQZUj)
- [Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1000](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplying-and-dividing-by-10-100-and-1000-mt_LlMl2PbaZe)