Instructions
Long division helps you solve division problems with large numbers. It's like breaking a big problem down into smaller, easier steps. We can remember the steps with the acronym DMSB:
- Divide: Divide the first part of the dividend by the divisor.
- Multiply: Multiply the result by the divisor.
- Subtract: Subtract the product from that part of the dividend.
- Bring Down: Bring down the next digit from the dividend.
You just repeat these four steps until you have no more numbers to bring down!
Example: 465 ÷ 15
31
15 | 465
-45↓ (Step 1-3: Divide 46 by 15 (goes in 3 times). Multiply 3x15=45. Subtract 46-45=1)
015 (Step 4: Bring down the 5)
-15 (Repeat: Divide 15 by 15 (goes in 1 time). Multiply 1x15=15. Subtract 15-15=0)
0 (No remainder!)
What if there's a number left over?
If you have a number other than zero at the end, that's called the remainder. You write it next to your answer with an "R". For example, an answer might be "31 R 2".
Let's Practice!
Solve the following long division problems. Show your work.
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8 567
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12 972
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21 4351
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15 3045
Challenge Question
A candy factory produced 1,240 gummy bears. They want to pack them into bags with exactly 15 gummy bears in each bag. How many full bags can they make, and how many gummy bears will be left over?
Answer: bags, with gummy bears left over.
Answer Key
- 567 ÷ 8 = 70 R 7
- 972 ÷ 12 = 81
- 4351 ÷ 21 = 207 R 4
- 3045 ÷ 15 = 203
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Challenge Question: 1240 ÷ 15 = 82 R 10.
They can make 82 full bags, with 10 gummy bears left over.