Long division · Year 5

In Year 5 you learn: dividing by a 1-digit number with remainders.

Long division is a written method for dividing by a two-digit number. It works one digit at a time like short division, but writes out each multiplication and subtraction so the remainders are easy to track. Writing a list of multiples first makes it much easier.

Key facts

  • Write some multiples of the divisor first (1×, 2×, 5×, 10× …).
  • Each step: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down the next digit.
  • A remainder must always be smaller than the number you divide by.
  • In context, decide whether to round up, round down or give an exact answer.

Worked examples

Example 1

437 ÷ 12 as a mixed number.

Answer: 36 5/12

Example 2

680 people go on a trip. Each coach holds 52. How many coaches are needed?

Answer: 14

Other years