When it comes to mathematical operations, the phrase “divided by” is commonly used to indicate the act of dividing one number by another. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express “divided by” formally and informally. We will also provide tips, examples, and regional variations, if applicable. So whether you are a student studying math or simply curious about different ways to say “divided by,” you’ve come to the right place!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Divided By:
In formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings, it is important to use precise and clear language when expressing mathematical concepts. Here are some formal ways to say “divided by”:
- Divided by: This is the most straightforward and universal way to express the division operation. For example, “Six divided by two equals three.”
- Separated into: While less commonly used, this phrase can be employed to convey the idea of division. For instance, “The total quantity is separated into four equal parts.”
Informal Ways to Say Divided By:
In informal conversations or everyday situations, people often use more casual terms to express mathematical operations. Here are some informal ways to say “divided by”:
- Over: “Two over three” can be used to indicate a fraction or division, such as in the expression “two-thirds.”
- Out of: For example, “Four out of eight” denotes dividing four by eight.
- Per: This term is commonly used in rates or ratios. For instance, “Miles per hour” signifies the division of distance by time.
- By: While not exclusively used for division, “by” can also imply division in certain contexts. For example, “Share the candies by three” means dividing the candies equally among three people.
Regional Variations:
When it comes to expressing division, there aren’t many significant regional variations. However, some dialects or regional accents might have unique ways to say “divided by.” While not exhaustive, here are a couple of examples:
In the UK: “÷” is commonly referred to as “oblique.”
In some Caribbean dialects: “Divided by” might be expressed as “split up.”
Tips for Understanding and Using “Divided By”:
Now that you know various ways to say “divided by,” here are some tips to help you better understand and use this concept:
- Visualize division: Imagine dividing a whole into equal parts to understand the concept visually.
- Use concrete examples: Utilize real-life situations to explain division, such as distributing cookies or sharing toys among friends.
- Practice mental math: Regularly engaging in mental math exercises will enhance your ability to quickly understand and compute division problems.
- Master related terms: Familiarize yourself with terms like dividend (the number being divided) and divisor (the number by which it is divided).
- Apply division in everyday life: Look for opportunities to apply division in various scenarios, such as cooking, budgeting, or measuring.
Examples:
Let’s explore some practical examples to further illustrate the concept of division:
Example 1: Jake has 12 apples, and he wants to divide them equally among his 3 friends. Each friend will receive 4 apples.
Example 2: A rectangle measuring 12 meters in length is divided into 3 equal parts. Each part will have a length of 4 meters.
Example 3: If you have 20 cookies and want to share them equally among 5 people, each person will receive 4 cookies.
Example 4: Tim is driving at a speed of 60 miles per hour. In 3 hours, he will travel 180 miles.
In conclusion, expressing “divided by” can be done formally by using the term itself or more casually with terms like “over,” “out of,” or “per.” While there might be some regional variations, the basic idea remains the same. Understanding division and its various expressions is essential for solving math problems and grasping related concepts. So go ahead and practice, apply, and explore the world of division!
