Understanding Division and Decimals
The phrase "17 divided by 20" represents a simple division problem. Division is a fundamental mathematical operation used to determine how many times one number (the divisor) fits into another number (the dividend). In this case, we want to find out how many times 20 goes into 17.
Let's break it down:
- Dividend: 17 (the number being divided)
- Divisor: 20 (the number we're dividing by)
Since the dividend (17) is smaller than the divisor (20), we know the result will be a fraction or a decimal.
Performing the Calculation
You can perform this division using a calculator or manually:
- Using a calculator: Simply enter 17 ÷ 20 and press the equals button.
- Manually: You can set up a long division problem with 17 as the dividend and 20 as the divisor. You'll find that 20 doesn't go into 17, so you'll need to add a decimal point and a zero to the right of 17 to continue the division. The result will be a decimal.
The Answer
17 divided by 20 equals 0.85.
In Conclusion
Understanding division is essential for various mathematical concepts. When the dividend is smaller than the divisor, the result will be a decimal or fraction. This knowledge helps us solve problems and interpret data in everyday life.