quotient

Everyday

1. The quotient is the answer you get when you divide one number by another. The quotient of 12 and 3 is 4. tree →
2. A quotient can also be a level or amount measured, as in «IQ» (intelligence quotient). tree →

In the lessons

In maths: the result of a division; dividend ÷ divisor = quotient, sometimes with a remainder. In everyday life: rarely said outside maths, except in «IQ». In science: a ratio found by dividing one measure by another.

Examples

• The quotient of 20 and 4 is 5. tree →
• Find the quotient when 56 is divided by 8. tree →
• The quotient is 7 and the divisor is 6. tree →
• What is the dividend if the quotient is 9 and the divisor is 3? tree →
• 17 ÷ 5 gives a quotient of 3 and a remainder of 2. tree →
• Check your quotient by multiplying it by the divisor. tree →
• IQ stands for intelligence quotient. tree →

Note

A clear signal of division: quotient = dividend ÷ divisor. Trap: the order matters; «the quotient of 20 and 4» means 20 ÷ 4, not 4 ÷ 20. Check: quotient × divisor + remainder = dividend. Do not mix with «product» (multiplication), «sum» (addition) and «difference» (subtraction).