Dividing numbers with multiple digits involves a process of breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable steps. Here's how to approach it, often referred to as long division:
Steps for Multi-Digit Division
Here's a breakdown of the long division method, incorporating steps directly from the provided reference:
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Write the division equation in long division form. This involves setting up the problem with the dividend (the number being divided) inside the division symbol and the divisor (the number you're dividing by) outside.
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Example: To divide 868 by 31, you would write:
______ 31 / 868
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Divide part of the dividend (going from largest place value to smallest). Start by looking at the leftmost digit(s) of the dividend and determining how many times the divisor can go into that portion.
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Example (Continuing from above): How many times does 31 go into 8? It doesn't. So, consider the first two digits: How many times does 31 go into 86? The answer is 2. Write '2' above the 6 in the quotient.
2____ 31 / 868
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Multiply the partial quotient and divisor. Multiply the number you just wrote in the quotient by the divisor.
- Example: Multiply 2 by 31, which equals 62.
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Subtract the product from the dividend. Write the product underneath the portion of the dividend you used and subtract.
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Example: Subtract 62 from 86.
2____ 31 / 868 -62 ---- 24
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Bring down the next digit. Bring down the next digit of the dividend to the right of the difference you just calculated.
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Example: Bring down the '8' from 868 next to the 24, creating 248.
2____ 31 / 868 -62 ---- 248
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Repeat steps 2-5. Continue the process by dividing the divisor into the new number you've formed.
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Example: How many times does 31 go into 248? The answer is 8. Write '8' next to the '2' in the quotient. Multiply 8 by 31 (which is 248) and subtract from 248.
28___ 31 / 868 -62 ---- 248 -248 ---- 0
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Determine the Remainder. If, after bringing down all the digits, you have a non-zero difference, that is your remainder. In the above example, the result of the subtraction is 0.
Therefore, 868 divided by 31 is 28.
