Long Division

From: Naser Mahmood
Date: 24 March 2000

Please show me how to do long division.

Long division is a way to divide a large number by another number with 2 or more digits.

Here is an example of a long division of a 6-digit number by a 2-digit number:

357481 ÷ 83

First, it is a good idea to work out the 83× table.
This is shown in the column on the right.

Set up the problem as shown on the right. Look at the first digit inside the division.
83 does not 'go into' 3. Write 0 in the first column. Now look at the first two digits.
83 does not 'go into' 35. Write 0 in the next column. Now look at the first three digits.
83 goes into 357 four times. (LOOK AT THE TABLE ON THE RIGHT) Write 4 in the next answer space.
4 × 83 is 332. Write 332 below 357.
357 - 332 is 25. Write 25 in the next row.
Bring down the 4. Write 4 next to the answer to the subtraction.
83 goes into 254 three times. Write 3 in the next answer space.
3 × 83 is 249. Write 249 below 254. 254 - 249 is 5. Write 5 in the next row.
Bring down the 8.
83 does not go into 58. Write 0 in the next answer space. Bring down the 1.
83 goes into 581 exactly seven times. Write 7 in the next answer space.