Learn How to Do Long Division

How to Do Long Division

Long division helps you divide big numbers step by step. Let’s learn how with an example: $$287\div 5$$

287 is called the dividend, and 5 is the divisor. We set up the long division as follows:

1. Set up the problem: Write 287 inside the division box (called the dividend) and 5 outside (the divisor).

2. Divide: Ask, "How many times does 5 go into 2?" Since 5 is bigger than 2, it doesn’t go in, so we will move to the next number.

3. Divide: Ask, "How many times does 5 go into 28?" The answer is 5, because $ 5 \times 5 = 25 $, but not 6 since $ 5 \times 6 = 30 $ is over 28.

Write 5 above the 8.

4. Multiply: Write $ 5 \times 5 = 25$ below 28.

5. Subtract: Subtract 25 from 28 to get $ 28 - 25 = 3 $

6. Bring down: Bring down the next number, 7, making it 37.

7. Divide (again): Ask, “How many times does 5 go into 37?” The answer is 7, because $ 5 \times 7 = 35 $, but not 8 since $ 5 \times 8 = 40 $ is over 37.

Write 7 above the 7.

8. Multiply: Write $ 5 \times 7 = 35$ below 37.

9. Subtract: Subtract 35 from 37 to get $ 37 - 35 = 2 $.

10. Since there is no more digits to bring down, the remainder is 2. So, the final answer is $ 57 $ with a remainder of $ 2 $, written as: $287 \div 5 = 57 \, \text{R} \, 2$

Previous Next

Helpful tips

1. Practice with smaller numbers: Start with simple problems to build your confidence before moving to larger ones.
2. Work slowly and carefully: Double-check each step, especially your subtraction, to avoid mistakes.
3. Write neatly: Keeping numbers aligned helps you avoid confusion, especially when bringing down digits.
4. Check your multiplication: Multiply accurately. Knowing your multiplication tables makes dividing much easier and faster.
5. Use estimation: If you're unsure how many times the divisor fits, estimate first and adjust if needed.

Glimpse into our exercises on this topic

Still have questions or want extra guidance with long division? We’re here to help! Reach out to us for personalized assistance, whatever your goals are, let us help you build confidence in math and achieve success!