Definition
Dividend
The quantity being divided in a division expression or calculation.
What it means
Start with the total amount. When you share it equally or find how many equal groups fit, that starting amount is the dividend.
Remember it
Dividend ÷ divisor = quotient: the dividend comes first.
Example
In 84 ÷ 7 = 12, 84 is the dividend because 84 is the amount being divided into equal groups.
Watch for
In 84 ÷ 7 = 12, 7 is not the dividend; it is the divisor.
Common mix-up
Keep the order: dividend ÷ divisor = quotient. Swapping dividend and divisor changes the calculation.
Exact meaning
In a division expression a ÷ b, a is the dividend: the quantity that is being divided by the divisor.