Topic 3 of 10 · The bus stop method with 1-digit numbers
Short division
Mr Boston
Short division uses the bus stop. The number we are dividing sits inside the bus stop, the number we divide by waits outside, and the answer goes on the roof.
Example: 852 ÷ 4
- 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Write 2 on top. Nothing left over.
- 5 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 1. Write 1 on top. Carry the 1 to the next digit to make 12.
- 12 ÷ 4 = 3. Write 3 on top.
- Answer = 213. Check: 213 × 4 = 852 ✓
What if the first digit is too small?
In 376 ÷ 8, 8 can’t go into 3. Write 0 (or leave the space empty) and carry the 3 to make 37. Then 37 ÷ 8 = 4 remainder 5, carry the 5 to make 56, and 56 ÷ 8 = 7. Answer = 47.
The short division steps
- Divide the digit (or carried number) by the divisor.
- Write the answer on top.
- Carry any remainder to the next digit.
- Repeat until you reach the end.
Tayo
Now try the step-by-step bus stop in Practise. It will check every digit with you.
Practise
Quiz: earn your stamp
Printable worksheet
Short division 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.
Printing is optional. A4 size.