Numihana
MATHS METHOD LAB

Divide by place value.

Start at the left of the dividend. Divide the amount available, subtract that product, and bring the next digit into the remainder. Keep zero quotient digits in their places.

When this helps

Useful for written division by a two-digit divisor. The final remainder must be smaller than that divisor.

A common slip

A remainder is carried as value into the next place; it is not simply discarded.

Worked example

1494 ÷ 31 = — enter the quotient and remainder.

1494 ÷ 31
Quotient digit 10
Quotient digit 20
Quotient digit 34
Quotient digit 48
  1. 1 ÷ 31: quotient digit 0; subtract 0, leaving 1.
  2. 14 ÷ 31: quotient digit 0; subtract 0, leaving 14.
  3. 149 ÷ 31: quotient digit 4; subtract 124, leaving 25.
  4. 254 ÷ 31: quotient digit 8; subtract 248, leaving 6.
Answer: 48, 6

  1. Quotient position 1: how many 31s fit into 1?

    Choose the largest whole-number multiple that does not exceed the available amount.

    0

  2. What remains at position 1?

    Subtract the divisor times the quotient digit from the available amount.

    1

  3. Quotient position 2: how many 31s fit into 14?

    Choose the largest whole-number multiple that does not exceed the available amount.

    0

  4. What remains at position 2?

    Subtract the divisor times the quotient digit from the available amount.

    14

  5. Quotient position 3: how many 31s fit into 149?

    Choose the largest whole-number multiple that does not exceed the available amount.

    4

  6. What remains at position 3?

    Subtract the divisor times the quotient digit from the available amount.

    25

  7. Quotient position 4: how many 31s fit into 254?

    Choose the largest whole-number multiple that does not exceed the available amount.

    8

  8. What remains at position 4?

    Subtract the divisor times the quotient digit from the available amount.

    6

  9. What is the final answer?

    Recombine your working and check it against the original question.

    48, 6

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Teaching context

This lesson practises mathematical representations and calculations. The displayed practice uses selected England Year 6 skills; the strategy can also help learners in other years.

Curriculum alignment describes the mathematical skill. It does not mean this is the only required teaching method.

Department for Education: mathematics programmes of study ↗

Original method lesson v1.

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