What Does Quotient Mean in Math?
In math, the definition of quotient is the number which is the result of dividing two numbers. The dividend is the number that is being divided, and the divisor is the number that is being used to divide the dividend. For example, in the equation 12/4=3, 12 is the dividend, 4 is the divisor and 3 is the quotient.
Division is the mathematical action of splitting a number into equal parts. There are two common symbols used to indicate division: two vertical dots with a horizontal line between them and a slash. Division is the opposite of multiplication and if the multiplication is known than the division is known. For example, since 5×3 is equal to 15, then 15/5 is equal to 3. In some cases, the number cannot be divided evenly. When there is an amount left over, it is called the remainder. For example, 7/2 results in 3 with a remainder of 1.
When dividing positive and negative integers, it is important to pay attention to the signs. When the dividend and divisor have the same sign, then the quotient is a positive integer. For example, 10/2=5 and -10/-2=5. If the dividend and the divisor have different signs, then the quotient is a negative integer. For example, -10/2=-5 and 10/-2=-5.
