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Long division with a 2-digit divisor
Dividing by a two-digit number is where many children get stuck, because the multiplication inside each step isn't a fact they've memorized. The fix is estimating: round the divisor to the nearest ten, guess, then check.
Expect the first guess to be wrong sometimes. That's part of the method, not a mistake.
Worked example: 864 ÷ 32
- 32 is about 30. Look at 86: about 30 goes in 2 times. 32 × 2 = 64. Subtract: 86 − 64 = 22.
- Bring down the 4 to make 224. About 30 goes into 224 seven times. 32 × 7 = 224. Subtract: 224 − 224 = 0.
- So 864 ÷ 32 = 27. Check: 27 × 32 = 864.
- With a remainder: 500 ÷ 23 = 21 R 17, and 21 × 23 + 17 = 500.
8 practice problems
- 864 ÷ 32 = ?
- 504 ÷ 21 = ?
- 756 ÷ 18 = ?
- 988 ÷ 38 = ?
- 700 ÷ 25 = ?
- 1,350 ÷ 45 = ?
- 943 ÷ 41 = ?
- 1,500 ÷ 64 = ?
Show answers
- 864 ÷ 32 = 27
- 504 ÷ 21 = 24
- 756 ÷ 18 = 42
- 988 ÷ 38 = 26
- 700 ÷ 25 = 28
- 1,350 ÷ 45 = 30
- 943 ÷ 41 = 23
- 1,500 ÷ 64 = 23 R 28
Tips for parents
- Write the divisor's multiples down the side before starting.
- If the estimate is too big (the product is more than you have), go down by one.
- If the remainder is bigger than the divisor, go up by one.