Division (mathematics)

:This article is about the arithmetic operation. For other uses, see Division (disambiguation).

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In mathematics, especially in elementary arithmetic, division is an arithmetic operation which is the reverse operation of multiplication, and sometimes it can be interpreted as repeated subtraction.

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Arithmetic - Multiplication - Subtraction

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Specifically, if

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:a × b = c,

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where b is not zero, then

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:a = c ÷ b

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(read as "c divided by b").

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For instance, 6 ÷ 3 = 2 since 2 × 3 = 6.

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In the above expression, a is called the quotient, b the divisor and c the dividend.

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The expression c ÷ b is also written "c/b" (read "c over b"), especially in higher mathematics (including applications to science and engineering) and in most computer programming languages. This form is also often used as the final form of a fraction, without any implication that it needs to be evaluated further.

Related Topics:
Science - Engineering - Programming language - Fraction

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In most non-English natural languages, c ÷ b is written c : b. In English usage the colon is restricted to the related concept of ratios.

Related Topics:
English - Natural language - Colon - Ratio

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Division by zero is usually not defined.

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