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Long division steps for kids

Long division is one short loop repeated: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down. Once your child knows the loop, every problem works the same way. The hard part is usually the division facts inside it, not the steps.

Here are the four steps, then a full example: 952 ÷ 4.

Worked example: 952 ÷ 4

• Divide. 4 into 9 goes 2 times. Write 2 above the 9. Multiply: 2 × 4 = 8. Subtract: 9 − 8 = 1. Bring down the 5 to make 15.
• Repeat. 4 into 15 goes 3 times. 3 × 4 = 12, then 15 − 12 = 3. Bring down the 2 to make 32.
• Repeat again. 32 ÷ 4 = 8. 8 × 4 = 32, then 32 − 32 = 0. Nothing left to bring down, so 952 ÷ 4 = 238.
• Check. 238 × 4 = 952.

6 practice problems

Tips for parents

• Remember the order with "Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother": divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.
• After each subtraction, the number left must be smaller than the divisor. If not, the last digit was too small.
• Line the digits up in columns, or use grid paper.

Questions parents ask