divisor

Everyday

1. A divisor is the number you divide by. In 12 ÷ 3, the divisor is 3. tree →
2. A divisor of a number is also a number that divides it exactly with no remainder; 3 is a divisor of 12. It is also called a factor. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: the number divided by; names a part of division: dividend ÷ divisor = quotient, and number = divisor × quotient (+ remainder); the remainder is always smaller than the divisor; greatest common divisor of two numbers. Phrases: common divisor, greatest common divisor, divisor of.

Examples

• In 20 ÷ 4 = 5 the divisor is 4. tree →
• List all divisors of 12. tree →
• The greatest common divisor of 8 and 12 is 4. tree →
• The divisor is 6 and the quotient is 7. What is the number? tree →
• 1 is a divisor of every whole number. tree →
• 7 has only two divisors, 1 and 7, so it is a prime number. tree →
• The remainder must be less than the divisor. tree →
• Is 5 a divisor of 32? tree →

Note

Parts of division: dividend ÷ divisor = quotient. «Divisor» and «factor» often mean the same. Names a part of division: number = divisor × quotient (+ remainder). Trap: the divisor is not the answer. Trap: you can never divide by zero, so 0 is never a divisor.