Division facts for kids

Division is a word with many meanings! It generally means splitting something into parts, or a part that has been split off. You might hear it used in math, in sports, or even when talking about how countries are organized. Let's explore some of the ways we use the word "division."

What Does Division Mean?

The word "division" comes from the Latin word dividere, which means "to separate." So, at its core, division is all about breaking things apart or creating separate sections.

Division in Math

In mathematics, division is one of the four basic operations, along with addition, subtraction, and multiplication. It's like the opposite of multiplication. For example, if you have 10 cookies and you divide them among 5 friends, each friend gets 2 cookies. This is written as 10 ÷ 5 = 2.

Digital Division

Did you know that computers also do division? Digital division is how electronic devices, like your phone or computer, perform mathematical division using special circuits.

Division in Biology

In biology, "division" is super important for life!

Cell Division

Cell division is the amazing process where one cell splits into two or more new cells. This is how living things grow, repair themselves, and reproduce. For example, when you get a cut, your body uses cell division to make new skin cells and heal the wound.

Plant Division

Gardeners use a method called horticultural division to make new plants. They carefully split a plant's roots or clumps into smaller pieces, and each piece can grow into a new, separate plant. It's a great way to share plants with friends!

Division in Geography

Geography also uses the term "division" to describe natural separations.

Continental Divides

A continental divide is a high ridge of land that separates different watersheds. Rain that falls on one side of the divide flows into one ocean or river system, while rain on the other side flows into a different one. The most famous one in North America is the Continental Divide of the Americas, which runs through the Rocky Mountains.

North-South Divide

The North-South divide is a way to talk about the difference between wealthier, more developed countries (often in the Northern Hemisphere) and less developed countries (often in the Southern Hemisphere). It's a way of looking at economic and social differences around the world.

Division in Organizations and Groups

"Division" can also refer to a part of a larger group or organization.

Business Divisions

Many large companies are organized into divisions. Each division might handle a different product, service, or region. For example, a car company might have a "truck division" and a "sports car division."

Military Divisions

In the military, a division is a large unit of soldiers, usually made up of 10,000 to 20,000 troops. It's a very important part of how armies are structured.

Sports Divisions

In sports, a division is a group of teams that play against each other. For example, a football league might have an "East Division" and a "West Division." This helps organize games and tournaments.

Administrative Divisions

An administrative division is a part of a country or region that has its own local government. Think of states, provinces, counties, or cities – these are all types of administrative divisions that help manage a country.

Division in Music

Music also has its own unique uses for the word "division."

Musical Ornamentation

In 17th-century English music, division was a type of ornamentation. This meant adding fast, decorative notes to a slower melody, making the music more fancy and exciting.

Pipe Organ Divisions

A pipe organ is a huge musical instrument with many pipes. These pipes are often grouped into "divisions," each with its own set of pipes, air supply, and keyboard. This allows the organist to create many different sounds.

Division Viol

The Division viol is a special musical instrument from the English Renaissance period. It's a type of viol, which is similar to a cello, and was used to play "divisions" – those fast, decorative musical lines.

Other Meanings of Division

• In navigation, a compass used for measuring distances on maps or charts is sometimes called dividers.