Remainders with Bigger Numbers — Multiply & Divide Pathway

Handling remainders in larger divisions

  • The same rules apply: divide as far as you can.
  • Whatever is left over is the remainder.
  • Sometimes the question tells you what to do with the remainder.
  • You might round up, round down, or give a decimal.

Example: 157 / 6

  1. Step 1: 6 into 15 = 2, remainder 3. Carry 3.
  2. Step 2: 6 into 37 = 6, remainder 1.
  3. Step 3: No more digits. Remainder is 1.
  4. Answer: 157 / 6 = 26 r 1.

Your turn

  • Try: 200 / 7.
  • 7 into 20 = 2, remainder 6. Carry 6.
  • 7 into 60 = 8, remainder 4.
  • Answer: 200 / 7 = 28 r 4.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Stopping too early. Keep going until every digit has been used.
  • Forgetting to write the remainder at the end. The remainder is whatever is left after the last subtraction.

Real-Life Example

A school has 157 prizes to share between 6 classes. 157 / 6: 6 into 15 = 2 remainder 3, 6 into 37 = 6 remainder 1. Answer: 26 r 1. Each class gets 26 prizes and 1 is left over.

Extra Support Hints

  • Check the remainder is smaller than the divisor. If it is not, you can divide one more time.
  • Think about what the question asks: round up, round down, or give a decimal?
Start the interactive Remainders with Bigger Numbers lesson →