Understanding Long Division with One-Digit Divisors

Long division is a method used to divide larger numbers by smaller numbers. When you have a one-digit divisor, it makes things a little easier. Let’s learn how to do this!

Steps to Long Division

1. Write the Problem: Start by writing the number you want to divide (the dividend) inside the long division bracket and the number you are dividing by (the divisor) outside the bracket.
2. Divide: Look at the first digit (or the first few digits) of the dividend. Ask yourself how many times the divisor can fit into this number without exceeding it. Write that number above the dividend.
3. Multiply: Multiply the divisor by the number you just wrote above the bracket (the quotient). Write the result underneath the number you divided.
4. Subtract: Subtract the result from the number you were considering. Write the difference below.
5. Bring down the Next Digit: If there are more digits in the dividend, bring the next digit down next to the difference you just found to form a new number.
6. Repeat: Repeat the process of dividing, multiplying, and subtracting until there are no more digits to bring down.

Example: Divide 56 by 4

Let's see this in action with the numbers 56 (dividend) and 4 (divisor).

1. Write it down: 56 ÷ 4
2. Divide: How many times does 4 go into 5? It goes 1 time. Write 1 above the bracket.
3. Multiply: Now multiply: 4 × 1 = 4. Write 4 underneath the 5.
4. Subtract: 5 - 4 = 1. Write the 1 below.
5. Bring down: Bring down the next digit (6), making it 16 below the 1.
6. Repeat: How many times does 4 go into 16? It goes 4 times. Write 4 above the bracket (next to the 1). Multiply:
   4 × 4 = 16. Write 16 under the 16.
7. Subtract: 16 - 16 = 0. Now you have no more numbers to bring down and your answer is complete!

Final Answer:

The answer to 56 ÷ 4 is 14.

Practice Problem:

Try dividing 84 by 7 using the steps above!

With some practice, you’ll be a long division pro in no time!