Step-by-Step Math: Division

The invention of calculators made solving mathematical problems quick and simple. Although calculators are now found on cell phones, computers and some wristwatches, students need to learn how to execute division problems without the aid of a calculator.

The Division Box

• Draw a division box by writing one vertical line and connecting it to one horizontal line; it should appear as a backwards 7. Write the dividend -- the number that is to be divided -- underneath the division box. Write the divisor -- the number that divides the dividend -- outside and to the left of the division box. Placing these numbers in the correct position will lead you to the correct answer.

Do the Math

• Decide if the divisor can be divided into the first number of the dividend. If it does, place the first number of your answer above that numeral and determine the remainder. The problem is then solved. If it doesn't, continue to look at the next number of the dividend. For example, if the divisor is 4 and the dividend is 140, you can conclude that 4 doesn't "go into" 1, but it does "go into" 14 three times. Write a 3 above the 4 on top of the division box. Now multiply the first number of the answer (3) by the divisor (4) and write it underneath the 14 (the answer is 12). Subtract these two numbers and write the answer (2) underneath the 4 of the dividend.

Finish the Problem

• Write the next number of the dividend beside the 4. That is a 0, so you now have written 20 underneath the dividend. Determine how many times the divisor (4) can be divided into that number and write the answer (5) beside the 3. The answer to the problem "140 divided by 4" is thus 35.

  When subtracting the last set of numbers underneath the dividend, if there is a 0, stop there; however, if a number is left, write an "r" next to the answer (to stand for "remainder") followed by that number to complete the problem. For example, if the problem had been stated "141 divided by 4," there would be a remainder of 1.