Question

How can properties help me divide?

Answer 1

The distributive property can help you by allowing you to make smaller, easier divisions from your original quantity. 

For example, 176 divided by 8 seems complicated at first. However, by breaking it into smaller pieces via the distributive property, it will be easier to compute. 

First, take a smaller number out of 176 that is divisible by 8, like 80. 80 divided by 8 is 10, and you will be left with 96 from the original 176. Another 80 divided by 8 is another 10, and you will be left with 16 from the original 176. 16 divided by 8 is 2. So, now you can add all these results together: 10 + 10 + 2 = 22. 176 divided by 8 is 22. 

176/8 = 80/8 + 80/8 + 16/8 = 10 + 10 + 2 = 22.