Even with such easy access to calculators, today’s pupils still need to be able to command the algorithm we call long division as part of the KS2 Maths curriculum
It sounds obvious, but you should keep in mind at every step that division is the inverse process of multiplication.
First, we should remember three things:
- The number to be divided into is called the dividend
- The number which divides the other number is called the divisor
- The quotient is the result of dividing one number by another number
Let’s get started with an example of long division for KS2 in action. We’re going to walk through the method for dividing 455 by 13, showing our working at each step.
1. Set up the division problem
We start by setting up the division problem through the use of the long division bracket.
Put 455, the dividend, on the inside of the bracket. The dividend is the number you’re dividing.
Put 13, the divisor, on the outside of the bracket. The divisor is the number you’re dividing by.
Divide the first number of the dividend, 4 by the divisor, 13.
2. Start looking for the quotient
4 divided by 13 is 0.
Put the 0 on top of the division bracket to start finding the quotient answer.
3. Multiply by the divisor
Now it’s time to multiply that 0 by the divisor, 13.
The result is, of course, 0.
We will now insert that below the first number of the dividend inside the bracket.
4. Bring down the next number of the dividend
4. Divide 45 by the divisor, 13
You will want to insert this after the 4.
This gives you 45.
5. Take that 3 and multiply it by 13 to make 39
The answer to the nearest integer is 3, which we’ll place next to 0 on top of the bracket.
We can ignore the remainder for now.
6. Bring down the final digit of the dividend
Add this underneath 45.
Now we can subtract 39 from 45 to make 6.
We’ll put this underneath too.
7. Put that 5 on the top of the division bracket
In this case, this is 5.
We place the 5 right after the 6, giving us 65.
Divide 65 by 13 to make 5.
Do you see a pattern emerging?
So now we have our answer
When we divide 455 by 13 using KS2 maths long division method, we get 35 with 0 remainder.
Now we want to multiply 13 by 5, giving us 65.
We’ll put this underneath the preceding 65, prompting us to start a subtraction operation.
65 – 65 is – you guessed it – 0. Therefore there is no remainder.
TuitionWorks is here to help you conquer maths
If you’re still feeling less than confident about long division and other aspects of the Key Stage 2 maths curriculum, TuitionWorks can provide an intensive course of personalised, one-to-one maths lessons from a qualified teacher like me. Just get in touch for a free consultation.
Andrew Hartshorn
Maths tutor at TuitionWorks
I have over twenty years’ experience of teaching both children and adults. I trained as a primary school teacher after a spending a number of years abroad teaching English as second language.
After qualifying with a PGCE in 2004, I attained my Masters Degree in Education. I believe in keeping my skills sharp and recently completed an online writing course with Harvard University.
