Long division calculator with steps
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Enter the number you're dividing and the number you're dividing by. The calculator works through it digit by digit with the bus stop method taught in school, explaining each step: how many times the divisor goes in, what that makes, and what's left to carry. Set decimal places to 0 for an answer with a remainder, or choose some decimal places to keep dividing past the decimal point.
The method in four words: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down
To work out 7452 ÷ 6:
- Divide: 6 goes into 7 once. Write 1 on top.
- Multiply: 1 × 6 = 6.
- Subtract: 7 − 6 = 1.
- Bring down the next digit, 4, to make 14. Repeat: 6 goes into 14 twice (12), leaving 2. Bring down 5 to make 25: 4 times (24), leaving 1. Bring down 2 to make 12: twice, leaving 0.
So 7452 ÷ 6 = 1242. The calculator shows these steps for any numbers you enter.
Remainders and decimals
When the division doesn't come out exactly, there are two ways to finish:
- As a remainder: 100 ÷ 7 = 14 remainder 2 (14 × 7 = 98, and 2 is left over).
- As a decimal: add a decimal point and zeros, and keep dividing. 22 ÷ 7 = 3.142... The calculator works to the number of places you choose without rounding, so round the last digit yourself if the question asks.
Word problems often need you to think about the remainder: 100 people in minibuses of 7 need 15 buses, not 14.
Dividing by a decimal
Make the divisor a whole number first by multiplying both numbers by 10, 100 or 1000. For 12.6 ÷ 0.3, multiply both by 10 to get 126 ÷ 3 = 42. The answer is the same because you've scaled both numbers equally. The calculator does this step for you and tells you what it multiplied by.
Short division or long division?
Short division (the bus stop) keeps the remainders as small numbers written next to each digit; it's quick when dividing by a single digit. Long division writes out each multiplication and subtraction underneath, which helps with two-digit divisors like 7452 ÷ 18. In England, pupils learn to divide numbers up to 4 digits by a two-digit number using long division by the end of primary school (Year 6), and the method comes up again on GCSE non-calculator papers.
Checking your answer
Multiply back: quotient × divisor + remainder should give the number you started with. For 100 ÷ 7: 14 × 7 + 2 = 100 ✓. You can also estimate first: 7452 ÷ 6 is a bit more than 6000 ÷ 6 = 1000, so 1242 is sensible. For more on the written method, see our long division guide.
Frequently asked questions
What do the parts of a division have to be called?
In 7452 ÷ 6 = 1242, 7452 is the dividend, 6 is the divisor and 1242 is the quotient. Anything left over is the remainder.
How do I turn a remainder into a decimal?
Keep dividing: put a decimal point after the whole number, bring down zeros and carry on. Or divide the remainder by the divisor: 2 ÷ 7 = 0.2857..., so 100 ÷ 7 = 14.2857...
Can it divide by a decimal?
Yes. It multiplies both numbers by 10, 100 or 1000 so the divisor is a whole number, shows that step, and then divides as normal.
Does it round the decimal answer?
No. It works to the number of places you choose, like you would on paper. Round the last digit yourself if the question asks.
Is anything I type sent to a server?
No. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing you type is sent to TutorAura.
Sources
- National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study. Department for Education (GOV.UK).
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