Integer division: the integer quotient of 11 divided by 2 (11 DIV 2) = 5

The idea

DIV performs integer division: it divides one whole number by another and keeps only the whole-number part of the quotient, discarding any fractional part rather than rounding it. For 11 DIV 2, 2 fits into 11 five whole times (2 × 5 = 10), leaving a fractional part of 0.5 that DIV throws away, so the result is 5, not 5.5 and not 6. A reliable method is to ask how many whole times the divisor fits into the dividend without exceeding it. This differs from ordinary division, which would give 5.5, and from rounding, which would give 6. Integer division is used when a program needs a whole-number count, such as how many complete pairs can be made from 11 items.

What earns the marks

• DIV returns the whole-number quotient and discards the fractional part.
• 2 fits into 11 five whole times because 2 × 5 = 10, which does not exceed 11.
• The fractional part (0.5) is discarded, not rounded up.
• 11 DIV 2 evaluates to 5, distinguishing it from ordinary division (5.5) and rounding (6).

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Giving 5.5: the learner applies ordinary division.

  Put it right: Is that DIV keeps only the whole-number part.

• Rounding up to 6.

  Put it right: Is that DIV discards the remainder rather than rounding.

• Assuming DIV and MOD give the same value.

  Put it right: Is that DIV gives the whole quotient (5) while MOD gives the remainder (1).

Exam tips

• Work out how many whole times the divisor fits without exceeding the dividend before choosing an answer.
• Check by multiplying: quotient × divisor must not exceed the dividend (5 × 2 = 10 ≤ 11).
• Contrast DIV with ordinary division and with rounding so you can reject near-miss distractors.