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Long Division, Step by Step
Long division repeats four actions—divide, multiply, subtract and bring down—until every digit has been used.
How it works
Start with the leftmost part of the dividend that the divisor fits into. Write the quotient digit, multiply it back, subtract, then bring down the next digit. A remainder must always be smaller than the divisor.
Worked example
Calculate 156 ÷ 12.
- 12 fits into 15 once; write 1.
- 1 × 12 = 12, and 15 − 12 = 3.
- Bring down 6 to make 36.
- 12 fits into 36 three times.
156 ÷ 12 = 13.
Try it now
These questions come from the same validated skill generator used by the game.
Common mistakes
- Dropping a digit when bringing down.
- Writing a remainder that is at least as large as the divisor.
- Forgetting a zero in the quotient when the divisor does not fit.
Challenge
A coach has 487 cones and boxes hold 24. How many full boxes can be filled, and how many cones remain?
Questions learners ask
How can I check long division?
Multiply the quotient by the divisor and add the remainder; the result must equal the dividend.
Can a remainder be bigger than the divisor?
No. If it is, the divisor fits at least one more time.