What is the difference between the words #a" divides "b# and #b" is divisible by "a#?

2 Answers
Jan 2, 2018

When we say #a# divides #b#, this means #a# is a factor of #b#. But #x# is divisible by #y# means #y# is a factor of #x#. In other words, #ul(a" divides "b)# and #ul(b" is divisible by "a)# mean same thing.

Jan 2, 2018

It is easier to understand the difference and use them correctly if you use a preposition each time...

Explanation:

#3# divides INTO #12# means that #3# is a smaller number and is a factor of the larger number #12#

#rarr3# will fit INTO #12# four times

You can think of '#3# divides into #12#' in terms of cancelling:

#cancel12^4/cancel3 = 4#

The opposite is to refer to #12# and say that #12# is divisible BY #3#

#12 div 3 = 4#

#12# is a multiple and #3# is a factor