Short Division Explained for 13-Year-Old Students: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

What is Short Division?

Short division is a quick and simple way to divide numbers mentally or on paper without writing down all the steps, unlike long division. It's useful when dividing by a one-digit number and helps save time.

Steps to Perform Short Division

1. Write the division problem: For example, divide 154 by 7.
2. Look at the first digit: Check if 7 goes into 1. Since it doesn't, look at the first two digits (15).
3. Divide: 7 goes into 15 two times (because 7 x 2 =14), so write 2 above the 5.
4. Find the remainder: 15 - 14 = 1. Carry this remainder to the next digit to make 14 (the 4 of 154 plus the remainder 1 means 14).
5. Divide again: 7 goes into 14 two times exactly, so write 2 above the 4.
6. Write the result: The final answer is 22.

Example with Explanation

Divide 154 by 7 using short division:

  2  2
7 | 1 5 4

Step 1: 7 into 1? No, so take 15.
Step 2: 7 into 15 is 2, remainder 1.
Step 3: Carry the remainder 1 to 4, making 14.
Step 4: 7 into 14 is 2, remainder 0.
Answer: 22.

Tips

• Short division works best with a one-digit divisor.
• Always remember to carry over the remainder to the next digit.
• If you get a remainder at the end and want a decimal answer, you can add zeros and continue dividing.

By practicing short division, dividing numbers quickly will become easier and faster!