The DIV instruction in PLC operations performs what function?

The DIV instruction in PLC operations is specifically designed to carry out division between two numerical values. When the instruction is executed, it takes the data present in Source A and divides it by the data found in Source B, producing a quotient as the output. This operation is crucial in many applications within process control, where understanding the ratios or averages of two values is necessary for monitoring performance or maintaining system stability.

In contrast, the other options represent different arithmetic operations. For example, adding two values together is the function of an addition instruction, while subtracting one value from another corresponds to a subtraction instruction. Additionally, multiplying two values is handled by a multiplication instruction. Each of these operations serves distinct purposes within a PLC program, but the DIV instruction's unique capability to divide makes it critical for specific calculations, particularly in scenarios where proportions are significant.