Long Division — Multiply & Divide Pathway

Introduction to long division

  • Long division shows all the working clearly.
  • Steps: Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down.
  • Repeat until all digits are used.
  • Great for dividing by 2-digit numbers.

Example: 96 / 4

  1. Step 1: 4 into 9 = 2. Write 2. Multiply: 2 x 4 = 8.
  2. Step 2: Subtract: 9 - 8 = 1. Bring down the 6. Now have 16.
  3. Step 3: 4 into 16 = 4. Write 4. Multiply: 4 x 4 = 16.
  4. Step 4: Subtract: 16 - 16 = 0. Answer: 24.

Your turn

  • Try: 78 / 3.
  • 3 into 7 = 2. 2 x 3 = 6. Subtract: 7 - 6 = 1.
  • Bring down 8 to get 18. 3 into 18 = 6.
  • Answer: 26.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting the four steps: Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down. Say them out loud each time.
  • Subtracting incorrectly. After multiplying, subtract from the current number to find the remainder before bringing down the next digit.

Real-Life Example

A school has 96 pupils going on a trip and each minibus takes 4 pupils. 96 / 4: 4 into 9 = 2 (2 x 4 = 8), subtract 9 - 8 = 1, bring down 6 to make 16, 4 into 16 = 4. Answer: 24 minibuses needed.

Extra Support Hints

  • Write each step clearly: D, M, S, B (Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down).
  • Practise with single-digit divisors first before trying 2-digit divisors.
Start the interactive Long Division lesson →