As with multiplication, division is also performed with the C and D scales.  Let's look at another simple problem so that we see where the answer is coming from:

8 ÷ 4

If you remember from multiplication, we lined up one of the indices on the C scale above the first factor on the D scale, moved the cursor to the second factor on the C scale and read off the result from the D scale.  Well in division, we do this in reverse.

Line up the number we will divide by (the divisor) on the C scale above the number to divide into (the dividend) on the D scale and then read the answer below one of the indices of the C scale - our answer (the quotient) will be on the D scale.  Let's look at our example on the slide rule.

If we look carefully, we can see that the way the slide rule has been set is the same as if we were multiplying 2 by 8.  So simple isn't it!

Just going over those steps again for division ...

1. Line up the dividend on the D scale with the divisor on the C scale.
2. The read off the answer from the D scale at one of the indices of the C scale. (Don't worry, there will only be one of the indices on the scale, the other will be off scale.)

Why don't you try this one ...

24 ÷ 6

See how you go and click here to check your answer.

As we found out before, not all answers come out nicely ... number have a habit of doing that!  Our next problem

156 ÷ 38

Now we can approximate our answer by doing some rounding, so I could say the answer is about

160 ÷ 40 = 4

So my answer will be around 4.

1. Line up 156 on the D scale with 38 on the C scale.
2. Move the cursor to the right index, C10 and read the result, about 4.1 on the D scale.

Far too easy, you try this one ...

246 ÷ 58

Click here when you're ready to check your answer.

I think you're pretty good with division, so it's time for some practice.
To go to the practice questions just click here.  Good luck!