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How to Do Long Division

Learn how to do long division with divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, remainder checks, examples, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and FAQs.

EducationEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To do long division, divide the first usable part of the dividend by the divisor, write the quotient digit, multiply back, subtract, bring down the next digit, and repeat until no digits remain. Any amount left over is the remainder.

What You Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Division problem
  • Multiplication facts
  • Eraser
  • Place-value understanding

Safety Precautions

  • Line up digits carefully by place value.
  • Check subtraction at every step.
  • Estimate before writing each quotient digit.
  • Do not skip zeros in the quotient.
  • Verify the answer by multiplying back.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Set up the problem

    Put the dividend inside the division bracket and the divisor outside.

  2. Step 2

    Divide

    Ask how many times the divisor fits into the first usable digits of the dividend.

  3. Step 3

    Write the quotient digit

    Place the digit above the correct place value.

  4. Step 4

    Multiply back

    Multiply the quotient digit by the divisor and write the result below.

  5. Step 5

    Subtract

    Subtract to find what remains from that place.

  6. Step 6

    Bring down

    Bring down the next digit of the dividend and repeat.

  7. Step 7

    Check the answer

    Multiply the divisor by the quotient and add the remainder to confirm the dividend.

Practical Example

Example: For 156 divided by 12, 12 fits into 15 once, subtract 12 to get 3, bring down 6, 12 fits into 36 three times, so the answer is 13.

Common Mistakes

  • Putting quotient digits in the wrong place
  • Forgetting to bring down a digit
  • Subtracting incorrectly
  • Skipping a zero in the quotient
  • Using a quotient digit that is too large
  • Not checking the result

Troubleshooting

The subtraction gives a negative number

Use a smaller quotient digit for that step.

The remainder is bigger than the divisor

The quotient digit was too small; adjust and recalculate.

Digits do not line up

Use graph paper or rewrite the problem with more space.

Answer seems wrong

Multiply divisor by quotient and add remainder to check.

FAQs

What are the long division steps?

Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat.

What is a remainder?

A remainder is the amount left over when the divisor does not divide evenly.

Why do I need zeros in the quotient?

Zeros hold place value when the divisor does not fit into a brought-down number.

How do I check long division?

Multiply the quotient by the divisor and add the remainder. The result should equal the dividend.

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