To solve the problem of 987 divided by 3, we can utilize a straightforward calculation method that simplifies the division process. Whether you're doing math homework, preparing for an exam, or just curious about division, understanding how to approach these calculations can enhance your arithmetic skills. Let's dive into how to divide 987 by 3 using a step-by-step method. 🧮
Understanding Division
Before we get into the calculations, it's essential to grasp what division entails. Division is one of the four basic operations of arithmetic. It involves determining how many times one number can fit into another. In this case, we are trying to see how many times 3 fits into 987.
The Division Process
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Set Up the Division: We can express 987 divided by 3 as ( 987 \div 3 ).
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Long Division: Long division is a method that breaks down the problem into smaller, manageable parts. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step-by-Step Long Division of 987 by 3
Let's outline the long division process for 987 divided by 3.
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Divide the first digit: Look at the first digit of 987, which is 9. How many times does 3 fit into 9? The answer is 3 times because ( 3 \times 3 = 9 ). Write 3 above the 9.
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Multiply and subtract: Next, multiply 3 (the quotient found) by 3 (the divisor) and subtract from 9:
- ( 9 - 9 = 0 ).
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Bring down the next digit: The next digit in 987 is 8. Bring down the 8 next to the 0. You now have 08.
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Divide: Now, see how many times 3 fits into 8. The answer is 2 times since ( 3 \times 2 = 6 ). Write 2 above the 8.
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Multiply and subtract: Multiply and subtract again:
- ( 8 - 6 = 2 ).
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Bring down the next digit: The next digit is 7. Bring down the 7 next to the 2, giving you 27.
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Divide: Next, see how many times 3 fits into 27. The answer is 9 times because ( 3 \times 9 = 27 ). Write 9 above the 7.
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Multiply and subtract: Finally, multiply and subtract one last time:
- ( 27 - 27 = 0 ).
Your answer is written above the line, combining all the quotients: 329. Therefore, 987 divided by 3 equals 329. 🎉
Summary Table of Long Division Steps
<table> <tr> <th>Step</th> <th>Action</th> <th>Result</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Divide 9 by 3</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Subtract 9 - 9</td> <td>0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Bring down 8</td> <td>08</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Divide 8 by 3</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Subtract 8 - 6</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Bring down 7</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Divide 27 by 3</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Subtract 27 - 27</td> <td>0</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td><strong>Total Quotient</strong></td> <td><strong>329</strong></td> </tr> </table>
Alternate Methods of Calculation
While long division is an effective method, there are alternate ways to calculate 987 divided by 3 that you might find easier or quicker, depending on your mathematical skills.
Mental Math Tricks
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Chunking: Break down 987 into easier numbers that you can manage. For instance:
- 900 divided by 3 is 300.
- 80 divided by 3 is approximately 26 (since ( 3 \times 26 = 78 )).
- 7 divided by 3 is about 2.
- Adding those together: ( 300 + 26 + 2 = 328 ) (this is a slight underestimation because we took only the integer part of 80 divided by 3).
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Using Multiplication: Identify the closest multiples of 3 to 987. Since ( 3 \times 330 = 990 ) (which is slightly more than 987), we can adjust down to find ( 329 ).
Calculator Approach
In today’s digital world, a simple calculator can make this task effortless. Just input 987, hit the divide key, and enter 3. Instant results! However, having a solid understanding of how to do this manually is always beneficial.
Why Division Matters
Understanding division is crucial not just in academics but in everyday life. Here are some practical applications of division:
- Budgeting: Dividing your total expenses among various categories helps you allocate funds appropriately.
- Cooking: If a recipe serves a certain number of people, you may need to divide the quantities based on the number of guests.
- Time Management: Splitting tasks or hours among different days can help in efficient time management.
Important Tips for Mastering Division
- Practice Regularly: Like any math skill, regular practice can improve your confidence and speed.
- Understand the Terms: Know the difference between the dividend (the number being divided), the divisor (the number you are dividing by), and the quotient (the result of the division).
- Visualize with Models: Using visual aids, like counters or pie charts, can help cement the concept of division in your mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rounding Errors: Be careful when estimating; remember that some numbers might round differently than expected.
- Not Checking Your Work: After performing division, always multiply the quotient back by the divisor to ensure you get the original dividend.
- Ignoring Remainders: When dividing, always pay attention to any leftover that doesn't fit into the quotient evenly.
By understanding the division process thoroughly and utilizing different methods, you can easily tackle problems like 987 divided by 3 with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, and these fundamental math skills will serve you well throughout your education and daily life. Keep honing those skills, and soon you'll find division a breeze! ✨