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Long division practice for 5th grade

In 5th grade, long division moves to two-digit divisors: problems like 336 ÷ 12 and dividends up to four digits. The steps are the same as in 4th grade. What's new is estimating how many times the divisor fits, because it's no longer a simple fact.

The trick is to round the divisor. To divide by 12, think "about 10". To divide by 28, think "about 30". Then check and adjust.

Worked example: 336 ÷ 12

• 12 doesn't go into 3, so look at 33. Estimate: about 10 goes into 33 three times, but 12 × 3 = 36 is too big. Try 2: 12 × 2 = 24. Subtract: 33 − 24 = 9.
• Bring down the 6 to make 96. Estimate: 12 × 8 = 96. Subtract: 96 − 96 = 0.
• So 336 ÷ 12 = 28. Check: 28 × 12 = 336.

8 practice problems for 5th grade

Tips for parents

• Writing the first few multiples of the divisor at the side (12, 24, 36, 48...) makes each step quicker.
• If a subtraction gives a number bigger than the divisor, the estimate was too small.
• Always check by multiplying back and adding the remainder.