1 times table division facts

Quick answer

When you divide any number by 1, you get that number back. This is because dividing by 1 means you are splitting things into just one group, so everything stays together. For example, 5 ÷ 1 = 5 because if you have 5 apples and put them all in one group, you still have 5 apples.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand that dividing any number by 1 gives you that same number back, and you will be able to solve division problems using the 1 times table facts.

Success signs:

• You can say that 7 ÷ 1 = 7
• You can explain why dividing by 1 doesn’t change a number
• You can solve simple division problems using the 1 times table
• You can use real-life examples to show how dividing by 1 works

Why this matters

Understanding how division works with the number 1 is important because it helps you solve problems more quickly. It also helps you see how multiplication and division are connected. When you know your 1 times table, you can easily solve division problems with 1.

This knowledge helps in everyday life, like sharing toys, splitting snacks, or counting how many items are in one group. It also helps in more advanced maths later, like working with fractions or more complex division problems.

For example, if you have 12 cookies and want to share them with one friend, you are dividing by 1. You still have 12 cookies because you are not splitting them into more groups – you are just sharing them with one person!

How it works

Division is about splitting things into equal groups. When you divide by 1, you are splitting into just one group. This means everything stays together.

Here’s how it works:

1. Think of a number you want to divide.
2. Divide it by 1.
3. The answer is the same number.

For example:

• 10 ÷ 1 = 10
• 3 ÷ 1 = 3
• 15 ÷ 1 = 15

It's like saying, "If I have 15 toys and I put them all in one box, how many toys do I have?" The answer is 15!

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some examples using things you can see and touch:

Example 1: Sharing Apples

You have 6 apples and want to share them with one friend. How many apples does your friend get?

6 ÷ 1 = 6

Your friend gets 6 apples because you are sharing them with just one person.

Example 2: Counting Blocks

You have 9 building blocks and put them all in one pile. How many blocks are in that pile?

9 ÷ 1 = 9

There are 9 blocks in one pile.

Example 3: Time

If you are playing a game for 1 hour, how many hours is that?

1 ÷ 1 = 1

It’s 1 hour.

Example 4: Money

You have 8 coins and put them all in one bag. How many coins are in the bag?

8 ÷ 1 = 8

There are 8 coins in one bag.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to collect stars. You find 12 stars and want to put them all in one special box. How many stars are in that box?

12 ÷ 1 = ?

Now, you find 4 more stars and add them to the same box. How many stars are in the box now?

16 ÷ 1 = ?

Finally, you find 1 star and put it in the box. How many stars are in the box now?

17 ÷ 1 = ?

Great job! You used division by 1 to count your stars. Every time you divided by 1, you still had the same number of stars because you were just putting them all in one box.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 1 ÷ 1 = 0
• Why it happens: Confusing division with subtraction or thinking that when you divide by 1, you take something away.
• Fix: Remember, dividing by 1 means you are putting everything into one group, so you still have the same amount. 1 ÷ 1 = 1

• Mistake: Thinking that 5 ÷ 1 = 0
• Why it happens: Mixing up the idea of dividing by 1 with dividing by 0 or other numbers.
• Fix: Remember, when you divide any number by 1, you get that number back. 5 ÷ 1 = 5

• Mistake: Forgetting that 0 ÷ 1 = 0
• Why it happens: Not understanding that 0 divided by any number (except 0) is 0.
• Fix: If you have 0 things and split them into 1 group, you still have 0 things. 0 ÷ 1 = 0

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn division facts with 1 is easy and fun. Here’s how you can support them in just 5–10 minutes:

• Explain the idea: Use everyday examples like sharing toys or snacks. Ask, “If you have 10 cookies and share them with one person, how many cookies does that person get?”
• Use flashcards: Make simple flashcards with division problems like 7 ÷ 1 = ? or 12 ÷ 1 = ?
• Play a game: Try a quick game where you say a number and your child says what that number divided by 1 is. Keep it fun and fast!
• Relate to other maths: Show how multiplication and division are connected. For example, 1 × 5 = 5, so 5 ÷ 1 = 5.
• Don’t worry about mistakes: If your child says 1 ÷ 1 = 0, gently remind them that dividing by 1 keeps the number the same. It’s a small misunderstanding, not a big problem.

Practice questions

1. 10 ÷ 1 = ?
2. 1 ÷ 1 = ?
3. 3 ÷ 1 = ?
4. 15 ÷ 1 = ?
5. 0 ÷ 1 = ?
6. 7 ÷ 1 = ?
7. 12 ÷ 1 = ?
8. 4 ÷ 1 = ?
9. 9 ÷ 1 = ?
10. 2 ÷ 1 = ?

Answers:

1. 10
2. 1
3. 3
4. 15
5. 0
6. 7
7. 12
8. 4
9. 9
10. 2

FAQ

What is the 1 times table division facts?

It means that when you divide any number by 1, the answer is that same number. For example, 8 ÷ 1 = 8, 11 ÷ 1 = 11, and 0 ÷ 1 = 0.

Why does dividing by 1 not change a number?

Because dividing by 1 means you are putting everything into one group. So, if you have 5 apples and put them all in one group, you still have 5 apples.

Can I use this with big numbers?

Yes! You can use this rule with any number, even big ones. For example, 100 ÷ 1 = 100.

Is dividing by 1 the same as multiplying by 1?

Not exactly. Multiplying by 1 keeps the number the same, but dividing by 1 also keeps the number the same. However, they are different operations.

How can I remember 1 times table division facts?

Think of it like this: “If I have 10 toys and put them all in one box, how many toys do I have?” The answer is 10. So, 10 ÷ 1 = 10.