Multiplying both operands by the same power of ten leaves their quotient unchanged. This working makes both operands whole numbers first. To continue past the whole-number quotient, bring down zeros. The dotted vertical line marks the start of decimal columns.

If the same remainder returns, all following digits repeat. Parentheses show that period: 0.1(6) means 0.1666… exactly. If the period has not been found within the selected limit, the displayed decimal ends with … and is truncated, not rounded. The fraction remains exact.

The diagram works with absolute values. Opposite input signs give a negative quotient. The integer quotient is truncated toward zero and the remainder has the dividend’s sign. For −157 ÷ 12, the result is −13 remainder −1, because 12 × (−13) + (−1) = −157. With decimal operands, the remainder is converted back to the original units.

Enter finite decimal numbers with at most 24 digits in total and at most 9 digits after the decimal point. English commas may group thousands; a dot is the decimal separator. Fractions, scientific notation and repeating-decimal input are not accepted here. Digit limits are 12, 24 or 48. The focused diagram shows the nearby columns, keeping the active column readable even for a long problem.

Check a remainder answer with dividend = divisor × integer quotient + remainder. Its absolute value must be smaller than the divisor’s absolute value. The decimal answer and reduced fraction represent the complete quotient.