How to Find the Missing Dividend or Divisor in Division by 10, 100, and 1000
FAQs on Dividing Whole Numbers by 10, 100, or 1000—Missing Number Problems
1. How do you divide whole numbers by 10, 100, and 1000?
To divide a whole number ending in zeros by 10, 100, or 1000, you can simply remove the corresponding number of zeros from the end of the number (the dividend).
- To divide by 10, remove one zero from the end of the number (e.g., 560 ÷ 10 = 56).
- To divide by 100, remove two zeros from the end of the number (e.g., 7800 ÷ 100 = 78).
- To divide by 1000, remove three zeros from the end of the number (e.g., 91000 ÷ 1000 = 91).
This method is a quick application of understanding place value and powers of ten.
2. What is a missing divisor question?
A missing divisor question is a division problem where the number you are dividing by is unknown and needs to be found.
In an equation like Dividend ÷ Divisor = Quotient, the divisor is the missing part. For example, in the problem 4200 ÷ ? = 42, you must find the missing divisor. To solve this, you can divide the dividend by the quotient (4200 ÷ 42 = 100). This type of problem from the division facts worksheet strengthens a student's understanding of the relationship between numbers.
3. How do you solve for a missing number in division?
To find the missing number in a division equation, you use the inverse relationship between multiplication and division, which is a key division strategy.
- To find a missing dividend (the first number): If the problem is ? ÷ Divisor = Quotient, you multiply the divisor by the quotient. For example, in ? ÷ 10 = 35, the missing dividend is 10 × 35 = 350.
- To find a missing divisor (the second number): If the problem is Dividend ÷ ? = Quotient, you divide the dividend by the quotient. For example, in 6700 ÷ ? = 67, the missing divisor is 6700 ÷ 67 = 100.
4. Why does dividing by 10 move the decimal place?
Dividing by 10 moves the decimal point one place to the left because it reduces the value of each digit to one-tenth of its original value.
Our number system is based on place value where each position is a power of ten. When you divide by 10, every digit shifts one place to the right, which effectively moves the decimal point to the left. For example, in 530.0 ÷ 10, the '5' in the hundreds place becomes a '5' in the tens place, resulting in 53.0.
5. Is this Class 6 Maths worksheet printable?
Yes, this worksheet on dividing whole numbers is a free, downloadable PDF designed to be easily printed for home or classroom use.
It is formatted for standard paper, making it an excellent resource for homework, maths revision, or self-study. The worksheet also includes a complete answer key, allowing parents and students to check their work independently.
6. What skills are built by this missing dividend or divisor activity?
This activity builds several critical maths skills for Grade 6 students beyond basic division.
- Number Sense: It helps students understand the relationship between numbers and the effect of dividing by powers of ten.
- Logical Reasoning: Solving for a missing number requires students to think backwards and apply inverse operations.
- Arithmetic Fluency: Regular practice improves speed and accuracy in mental calculations involving division with zeros.
- Exam Preparation: It familiarises students with a common question format found in school tests and exams.
7. Does this worksheet include an answer key?
Yes, a complete answer key with solutions is included with this worksheet.
The answer key provides the correct answers for all the fill-in-the-blank and missing number problems. This feature is essential for students to self-assess their work, understand their mistakes, and practice independently, making it a valuable tool for home practice and revision.
8. What is a missing dividend question?
A missing dividend question is a division problem where the number being divided (the starting number) is the unknown value you need to calculate.
The problem is structured as ? ÷ Divisor = Quotient. To find the solution, you must use the inverse operation, which is multiplication.
- Example: In the problem ? ÷ 100 = 84, the dividend is missing.
- Solution: You multiply the divisor (100) by the quotient (84). So, 100 × 84 = 8400. The missing dividend is 8400.
9. How does this worksheet reinforce the multiplication and division relationship?
This worksheet directly reinforces the inverse relationship between multiplication and division by requiring students to use it to find missing values.
To solve problems where the dividend or divisor is missing, students cannot rely on direct calculation alone. They must apply their knowledge of fact families. For instance, to solve ? ÷ 10 = 50, they must recognize that the answer is found through multiplication (50 × 10), solidifying their understanding of how these two operations are connected.
10. What grade level is this division worksheet for?
This worksheet is specifically designed for Class 6 Maths students, typically aged 11-12 years.
The content aligns with the CBSE maths worksheet curriculum and other major educational boards for this grade level. It focuses on concepts like whole numbers, division by powers of ten, and algebraic thinking (finding an unknown), which are foundational topics in the Grade 6 syllabus.





















