Meaning & use
division words
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Meaning
phraseusually plural
Words in a math word problem, such as share, split, per, quotient or each, that hint that the answer needs division.
Grammar: A plural noun phrase used in teaching: look for division words in the problem.
Patterns
- spot division words
- division words in a problem
Circle the division words in the problem before you choose an operation.
Words like 'per' and 'shared equally' are division words that tell you to divide.
Our teacher made a poster of division words for the wall.
Common combinations
- spot the division words
- Spot the division words, then write the equation.
- list of division words
- The worksheet starts with a list of division words.
- common division words
- Common division words include quotient, split and out of.
- underline division words
- Students underlined the division words in each problem.
Synonyms and how they differ
- keywords
- Keywords is a broader term for any signal words in a problem, while division words refer only to those that point to division.
- signal words
- Signal words can point to any operation, while division words are specifically for dividing.
- operation words
- Operation words covers add, subtract, multiply and divide together.
Word family
Commonly confused: division words or multiplication words?
division words vs multiplication words
Multiplication words, such as times, product and groups of, point to multiplying instead of dividing.
Practice
Which phrase in this problem is one of the division words? 'Twelve cookies are shared equally among four children.'
Choose one answer.
Shared equally signals splitting into equal groups, so it points to division. The others only give numbers or objects.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “division words”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.