Aug11

Strategy for Mental Calculation: Halves

In this post we will learn a strategy to divide by 2 (halves), by 4 (fourths) or by 8 (eighths) mentally.
We will start by looking at the concept of halving:

Divide by Halves:

To divide by 2, we just have to look for half of the number.

For example, to divide 24/2, we find half of 24, which is 12.

Divide by Fourths:

As we know, 4 = 2 x 2. Therefore, to divide a number by 4, we can divide twice by 2, that is, make two halves.

For example:

52 / 4

We do the first half:

52 / 2 = 26

And we do the second half:

26 / 2 = 13

Therefore, 52 / 4 = 13

Divide by Eights:

As we know, 8 = 2 x 2 x 2. Therefore, to divide a number by 8, we can divide three times by 2, that is, make three halves.

For example:

120 / 8

We take three halves:

120 / 2 = 60
60 / 2 = 30
30 / 2 = 15

Therefore, 120 / 8 = 15

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