Bus Stop Method — Multiply & Divide Pathway

Short division — the bus stop method

  • Draw a bus stop shape over the number.
  • The divisor sits outside. The dividend sits inside.
  • Work from left to right, one digit at a time.
  • Write answers on top, carry remainders.

Example: 156 / 4

  1. Step 1: 4 into 1 does not go. Carry 1 to make 15.
  2. Step 2: 4 into 15 = 3, remainder 3. Write 3 on top.
  3. Step 3: Carry 3 to make 36. 4 into 36 = 9.
  4. Answer: 39.

Your turn

  • Try: 84 / 6.
  • 6 into 8 = 1, remainder 2. Write 1 on top.
  • Carry 2 to make 24. 6 into 24 = 4.
  • Answer: 14.

What Is the Bus Stop Method?

The bus stop method is another name for short division. It is a quick way to divide a large number by a single-digit number.

  • The divisor (the number you are dividing by) sits outside the bus stop.
  • The dividend (the number being divided) sits inside the bus stop.
  • The answer is written on top of the bus stop, one digit at a time.
  • Always work from left to right — the opposite of column addition.

Visual Worked Example: 156 ÷ 4

Let us work through 156 ÷ 4 step by step, watching the bus stop build up.

Step 1: 4 into 1 does not go

41561

The divisor 4 is too big for the first digit 1. We carry the 1 to join the next digit, making 15.

Step 2: 15 ÷ 4 = 3 remainder 3

4156133

4 into 15 = 3 (4 × 3 = 12). Write 3 on top. Remainder: 15 − 12 = 3. Carry the 3 to join the 6, making 36.

Step 3: 36 ÷ 4 = 9

41561339

4 into 36 = 9 (4 × 9 = 36). Write 9 on top. No remainder this time.

Step 4: The completed calculation

415639

156 ÷ 4 = 39

Check: 39 × 4 = 156. The answer is correct.

When a Number Does Not Divide Evenly

Sometimes the last digit leaves a remainder. You have three choices depending on the question:

  • Write a remainder: Use the letter r. Example: 739 ÷ 4 = 184 r 3.
  • Write a fraction: Put the remainder over the divisor. Example: 739 ÷ 4 = 184 3⁄4.
  • Write a decimal: Add a decimal point and zeros, then keep going. Example: 739 ÷ 4 = 184.75.
Tip: The remainder must always be smaller than the divisor. If it is bigger, check your dividing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to carry the remainder. Always carry what is left over to the next digit.
  • Writing 0 on top when a digit is too small. If the divisor does not fit, write 0 and carry the whole digit to the next one.
  • Working right to left. Bus stop division goes left to right, not right to left.
  • Remainder bigger than the divisor. If this happens, you can divide one more time.

Real-Life Example

A school has 252 pencils to share equally between 6 classes. How many pencils does each class get?

  1. 6 into 2 does not go. Carry 2 to make 25.
  2. 6 into 25 = 4 (4 × 6 = 24). Write 4. Remainder 1. Carry to make 12.
  3. 6 into 12 = 2. Write 2. No remainder.
  4. Each class gets 42 pencils.

Extra Support Hints

  • Write your times table for the divisor at the side of the page so you can look at it while you work.
  • Say each step out loud: "4 into 7 goes 1, carry 3."
  • If you get stuck, check by multiplying your answer by the divisor. 39 × 4 = 156.
  • Use squared paper so your digits stay lined up.
Start the interactive Bus Stop Method lesson →