To determine how many times bigger one number is than another, you divide the larger number by the smaller number. This straightforward calculation provides a ratio that clearly indicates the scale difference between the two values.
Understanding the Calculation
The process of finding out "how many times bigger" involves a simple division operation. You take the number whose magnitude you want to assess relative to another and divide it by the reference number. The resulting quotient reveals the exact multiple.
For instance, if you want to know how many times larger 400 is than 40, you would perform the division: 400 ÷ 40. The answer, 10, means that 400 is 10 times bigger than 40. This concept is crucial for understanding relative sizes, proportions, and scaling in various contexts.
Practical Examples
Let's look at a few examples to illustrate this concept clearly:
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Example 1: Comparing 400 and 40
- Question: How many times bigger is 400 than 40?
- Calculation: 400 ÷ 40 = 10
- Result: 400 is 10 times bigger than 40.
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Example 2: Comparing 50 and 5
- Question: How many times bigger is 50 than 5?
- Calculation: 50 ÷ 5 = 10
- Result: 50 is 10 times bigger than 5.
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Example 3: Comparing 150 and 25
- Question: How many times bigger is 150 than 25?
- Calculation: 150 ÷ 25 = 6
- Result: 150 is 6 times bigger than 25.
Summary Table
The following table summarizes these calculations:
| Question | Larger Number | Smaller Number | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How many times bigger is 400 than 40? | 400 | 40 | 400 ÷ 40 | 10 times |
| How many times bigger is 50 than 5? | 50 | 5 | 50 ÷ 5 | 10 times |
| How many times bigger is 150 than 25? | 150 | 25 | 150 ÷ 25 | 6 times |
This method is universal for comparing the magnitude of two numbers, providing a clear and precise answer to how many multiples one number represents of another.
