Long division is a fundamental mathematical concept taught to every school student. It is a method that allows us to divide large numbers and is used to solve complex problems in various fields. While the long division is an essential skill to have, there are also advanced methods to calculate division problems that can make dividing numbers more manageable and efficient. We will explore some of these advanced techniques and how they can be used to make division easier and faster.
The Vedic Method
The Vedic division method is an ancient technique from India that is extremely efficient and can be used for dividing large numbers. The Vedic process is based on repeatedly halving, multiplying, and subtracting. This method divides the Divisor into two equal parts, then double the dividend and subtracts the result from the dividend. The remainder is then halved, and the result is added to the dividend. The process is then repeated until the rest is zero.
Partial Quotients
Partial quotients are another useful division method that can be used in cases where the Divisor is larger than the dividend. The process involves repeatedly subtracting the Divisor from the dividend until the dividend is smaller than the Divisor, then dividing the remainder by the Divisor. Partial quotients are especially useful for problems involving many digits, as the Divisor can be divided into two or more parts, which can then be divided by the dividend.
Remainder Division
The remainder division is a fairly simple technique for solving division problems and is based on recurrently subtracting the Divisor from the dividend until the remainder is zero. Remainder division can be used for any number of digits and to solve problems with decimal points.
Division by Decimals
Division by decimals is a useful technique that can be used to solve problems involving decimal points. When dealing with decimals, the Divisor is multiplied by a multiple of 10 until it becomes a whole number. The dividend is then divided by this absolute number, and the result is multiplied by the multiple of 10.
Division by Zero
Division by zero is generally not possible, but there are certain exceptions. For instance, the result is zero if the dividend is zero and the Divisor is a non-zero number. Similarly, if a dividend is a non-zero number and the Divisor is zero, the result is undefined.
Dividing by Multiplying
Dividing by multiplying is a technique that involves multiplying the Divisor and the quotient to get the dividend. This technique is also known as the inverse of multiplication. We must know the Divisor and the quotient to use this technique and solve for the dividend. For example, let's say we want to divide 48 by 6. We can use the following formula:
Dividend = Divisor x Quotient
Dividend = 6 x 8
Dividend = 48
In this case, we can see that six multiplied by 8 gives us 48, which is the dividend. This technique can be particularly useful when dividing large numbers; long division can be time-consuming.
Dividing with Factors
Another advanced technique for dividing numbers is to use factors. Factors are numbers that can be multiplied collectively to get a particular number. For instance, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. To use this technique, we need to find the factors of the dividend and the Divisor and cancel out any common factors. For example, let's say we want to divide 84 by 6. We can use the following steps:
Find the elements of 6: 1, 2, 3, 6
Cancel out any common factors: 6 can be divided by 6, so we can cancel it out from both sides
Simplify the remaining factors: 84/6 = 14
In this case, we can see that 84 can be divided by 6, and the answer is 14. This technique can be particularly useful when dealing with large numbers with many factors, and it can save time by reducing the number of calculations we need to perform.
Dividing with Decimals
Dividing with decimals is another advanced technique that can be used to divide numbers with decimal points. This technique involves moving the decimal point in the Divisor and the dividend to make them whole numbers and then dividing them as usual. After dividing, we need to return the decimal point to the original place. For example, let's say we want to divide 0.8 by 0.04. We can use the following steps:
Transfer the decimal point in the Divisor and the dividend two places to the right: 0.8 becomes 80, and 0.04 becomes 4
Divide 80 by 4: 80/4 = 20
Move the decimal point back to the original place: 20 becomes 0.20
In this case, we see that 0.8 divided by 0.04 is 0.20. This technique can be particularly useful when dealing with numbers with decimal points, and long division can be challenging to perform.
Dividing with Exponents
Dividing with exponents is a technique that can be used to divide numbers with powers. This technique is particularly useful when dividing numbers with the same base. When we divide two numbers with the same ground, we can subtract the exponents to get the new exponent. For example, let's say we want to divide 8^4 by 8^2. We can use the following steps:
Subtract the exponents: 4 - 2 = 2
Write the new exponent with the base: 8^2
In this case, we can see that 8^4 divided by 8^2 equals 8^2. This technique can be particularly useful when dealing with numbers with large exponents, and long division can be time-consuming.
Dividing with Logarithms
Dividing with logarithms is an advanced technique that can divide large numbers. This technique involves converting the numbers into their logarithmic form, subtracting the logarithms, and then converting the result back to the original form. For example, let's say we want to divide 10,000 by 100. We can use the following steps:
Convert the numbers to their logarithmic form: log (10,000) and log(100)
Subtract the logarithms: log (10,000) - log(100) = 4 - 2 = 2
Convert the result back to the original form: 10^2 = 100
In this case, we see that 10,000 divided by 100 equals 100. This technique can be particularly useful when dealing with large numbers that are difficult to divide using other methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many advanced techniques can be used to divide numbers. Dividing by multiplying, dividing with factors, dividing with decimals, dividing with exponents, and dividing with logarithms are just a few methods that can be used to divide numbers more efficiently. While long division is a fundamental skill everyone should learn, these advanced techniques can make dividing numbers faster and more manageable. By understanding these techniques, we can improve our problem-solving skills and become more confident in our mathematical abilities.
