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Words That Mean Division in Word Problems

These are the 12 signal words that tell you to divide in a maths word problem — with a worked example and the most common trap to avoid.

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Common trap

The "Per Trap": "per" usually signals division when you're finding a rate (miles per hour = total ÷ hours), but signals multiplication when you're applying a known rate (3 miles per lap × 4 laps = 12 miles). Always check whether you're finding a rate or using one.

Division Signal Words (12)

split share equally per (rate/unit) average quotient divided by equal groups how many each cut into distributed evenly out of ratio of

Worked Example

24 cookies are shared equally among 6 friends. How many cookies does each friend get?

Why Division?

"Shared equally" tells you to split the total into equal groups: 24 ÷ 6 = 4.

✓ Answer: 4 cookies each

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Related Pages

Words That Mean Add → Words That Mean Subtract → Words That Mean Multiply → All Word Problem Keywords →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are signal words in math?
Signal words are words or phrases in a word problem that indicate which operation to use — e.g., "total" signals addition, "left" signals subtraction, "each" often signals multiplication, and "shared equally" signals division.
What's the "Per Trap"?
"Per" describes a rate. When you're finding the rate (e.g., "how many miles per hour?"), you divide. When you're applying a known rate (e.g., "3 miles per lap, 4 laps"), you multiply. Students default to dividing whenever they see "per" — always read the question first.