Except for such phrases as divide in half and divide in two, the preposition into is used because divide emphasizes separating, breaking up or cutting up a whole into sections or parts, changing the state or form of something. When half and two are used as adjectives, the correct phrasal verb is divide into.
- The math teacher divided the apple in two.
- The math teacher divided the apple into two parts.
- Mother divided the pile of toys in half.
- The team’s activities were divided into half days.
- Shall we divide the project into six or seven small tasks?
- Nunavut was created by dividing the Northwest Territories into two parts (or in two).
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