Divisible – Definition with Examples
Updated on January 13, 2024
Welcome to Brighterly’s math blog, where we make learning math a delightful experience for children! In this article, we will explore the concept of divisibility and provide you with clear definitions and practical examples to help you understand this fundamental mathematical concept.
Divisibility is a term that frequently appears in the world of mathematics, especially when dealing with whole numbers or integers. It allows us to determine if one number is evenly divisible by another, meaning that the division results in a whole number without any remainder. Mastering the concept of divisibility is essential for various mathematical operations, such as simplifying fractions, finding factors of a number, or identifying prime numbers.
At Brighterly, we believe that learning math should be engaging, interactive, and enjoyable for children. That’s why we are here to guide you through the fascinating world of divisibility with our unique approach and creative examples. Whether you are a student looking to enhance your math skills or a parent seeking resources to support your child’s learning journey, this article is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of divisibility.
What Does Divisible Mean?
Divisible is a term we frequently use in mathematics, especially when dealing with whole numbers or integers. When we say that one number is divisible by another, we mean that if we divide the first number by the second, we’ll get an exact whole number without any remainder. For instance, 10 is divisible by 2 because when you divide 10 by 2, you get 5, a whole number, and zero remainder. In contrast, 10 is not divisible by 3 as it gives a fraction or decimal. Understanding divisibility is fundamental to numerous mathematical operations like simplifying fractions or finding the factors of a number.
What are Divisibility Rules?
Divisibility rules are straightforward and handy tricks that help us determine if a number is divisible by another without actual division. They’re brilliant shortcuts for mental math, simplifying complex problems, or when you don’t have a calculator nearby. The application of divisibility rules is widespread, especially in areas like number theory and factorization.
Divisibility Rule of 1
The divisibility rule of 1 is quite simple. Every number, regardless of its size, is divisible by 1. Why is that? Well, when we divide any number by 1, we always get the same number as the result, meaning that every number is divisible by 1.
Divisibility Rule of 2
The divisibility rule of 2 states that any number is divisible by 2 if its last digit is even. So, if the number ends with 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, it’s divisible by 2. Take the number 236, for example, it ends with an even digit (6), so it’s divisible by 2.
Divisibility Rule of 3
The divisibility rule of 3 requires a bit more computation. A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. For instance, let’s take 123: the sum of the digits is 1 + 2 + 3 = 6, which is divisible by 3. Therefore, 123 is also divisible by 3.
Divisibility Rule of 4
For the divisibility rule of 4, you only need to check the number’s last two digits. If they form a number divisible by 4, then the entire number is divisible by 4. For instance, for the number 1236, we only need to check 36, which is divisible by 4. Therefore, 1236 is divisible by 4.
Divisibility Rule of 5
The divisibility rule of 5 is quite simple. A number is divisible by 5 if its last digit is either 0 or 5. For instance, numbers like 70, 25, and 140 are all divisible by 5.
Divisibility Rule of 6
The divisibility rule of 6 is interesting. A number is divisible by 6 if it’s divisible by both 2 and 3. Hence, it combines the rules of 2 and 3. For example, the number 24 is divisible by 2 (it ends in an even number) and the sum of its digits (2+4) is 6, which is divisible by 3. Therefore, 24 is divisible by 6.
Divisibility Rule of 7
The divisibility rule of 7 is a little trickier compared to other rules. Here’s how it works: you double the last digit of the number, subtract this from the rest of the number; if the result is divisible by 7, then so is the original number. If it’s a large number, you might need to apply this rule repeatedly. For instance, to determine whether 203 is divisible by 7, we take 20 (203 minus the last digit) minus (2 times 3) = 14. Since 14 is divisible by 7, so is 203.
Divisibility Rule of 8
The divisibility rule of 8 is similar to that of 4, but it involves the last three digits. If they make a number divisible by 8, then the whole number is divisible by 8. For instance, for the number 1232, we check 232, which is divisible by 8. Therefore, 1232 is also divisible by 8.
Divisibility Rule of 9
The divisibility rule of 9 is like the rule for 3 but with a twist. A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9. So, if we take the number 2346 and add up its digits (2+3+4+6), we get 15. Since 15 isn’t divisible by 9, neither is 2346.
Divisibility Rule of 10
The divisibility rule of 10 is one of the easiest. A number is divisible by 10 if it ends in 0. Simple, right? Numbers like 100, 200, and 1300 are all divisible by 10.
Divisibility Rules for Prime Numbers
For divisibility rules for prime numbers other than 2, 3, 5, and 7, the rules become less uniform and more complex. For small primes, these rules exist but are usually not taught because of their complexity. Nonetheless, they are significant in number theory.
Divisibility Rules of 13, 17, and 19 Examples
While it’s possible to create divisibility rules of 13, 17, and 19, they tend to be complex and may not be appropriate for younger learners. For those interested in further studies, resources are available to dive deeper into these fascinating but complex divisibility rules.
Divisibility Tests of Numbers
Divisibility tests of numbers are ways of determining whether one whole number is divisible by another without actual division. They are handy shortcuts for knowing if a number is a factor of another number. For instance, if you wanted to know if 24 was a factor of 576, you could apply the divisibility rule of 24, which combines several simpler rules.
Divisibility Rules with Examples
Divisibility rules with examples are a great way to practice and understand these rules better. When we understand how these rules work and apply them to real numbers, we can quickly determine divisibility, which can simplify many mathematical operations.
Practice Questions on Divisibility Rules
Now that you’ve learned the divisibility rules, why not try some practice questions on divisibility rules to test your understanding? By doing practice questions, you’ll get more familiar with these rules and improve your mental math skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering divisibility rules is a crucial skill that can greatly enhance your number sense and mental math abilities. By understanding these rules and applying them confidently, you’ll be able to tackle various mathematical problems with ease. Divisibility rules serve as the backbone of number theory, providing essential tools for algebra, calculus, and beyond.
At Brighterly, our mission is to make math accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for children. We believe that by incorporating creative examples, interactive activities, and practical applications of divisibility rules, we can empower young learners to develop a strong foundation in mathematics.
Frequently Asked Questions on Divisible
What is the importance of understanding divisibility?
Understanding divisibility is crucial in various areas of mathematics. It forms the foundation for many mathematical concepts, such as prime numbers, factors, and fractions. By mastering divisibility, you develop a deeper understanding of numbers and strengthen your problem-solving skills.
How can divisibility rules benefit students?
Divisibility rules provide students with shortcuts for determining if a number is divisible by another without performing the actual division. These rules help improve mental math skills, enhance number sense, and foster critical thinking. By applying divisibility rules, students can quickly identify factors and simplify calculations.
Are divisibility rules only applicable to whole numbers?
Divisibility rules are primarily used for whole numbers and integers. However, the concept of divisibility extends to other number systems, such as fractions and decimals. In these cases, the rules may vary slightly, but the underlying principle remains the same.
Can divisibility rules be applied to large numbers?
Yes, divisibility rules can be applied to large numbers. In some cases, you may need to apply the rules repeatedly or break down the number into smaller parts to determine its divisibility. Divisibility rules provide efficient strategies for handling numbers of any size.
How can I help my child understand divisibility rules?
Supporting your child in understanding divisibility rules can be achieved through various methods. Brighterly offers interactive activities, practice questions, and creative examples to engage children in learning. Additionally, you can incorporate real-life scenarios, such as dividing objects into equal groups, to reinforce the concept.
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