Long division: the bus stop method
Long division is the bus stop method for bigger numbers, like dividing by 47. We write all of our working underneath so we never lose track.
Example: 31443 ÷ 47
Step 1
Can 47 go into 31?
No. Look at 314 instead.
Step 2
47 × 6 = 282
47 × 7 = 329 (Too big)
Write 6.
314 − 282 = 32
Bring down the next digit.
Step 3
Now divide 324 by 47.
47 × 6 = 282
324 − 282 = 42
Bring down the next digit.
Step 4
423 ÷ 47
47 × 9 = 423
Subtract.
Answer = 669
Always:
- Divide
- Multiply
- Subtract
- Bring down
- Repeat
Tip: some children remember it as “Dad, Mum, Sister, Brother, Repeat”.
Now it’s your turn. In Practise the bus stop will walk you through each step of 31443 ÷ 47, and then the Try These sums from the worksheet.
Practise
Quiz: earn your stamp
Printable worksheet
Long division: the bus stop method worksheet. The questions are on the first page, and the answers for grown-ups are on the last page, so you can print just the first page for your child.
Try These and Reflection sheet (PDF)
Printing is optional. A4 size.