Long division steps for kids: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down
The four long division steps explained simply, with a remainder example and a decimal example worked in full, plus the mistakes that trip kids up.
Skill guide · Grades 4–6
Long division
The divide, multiply, subtract, bring down cycle of long division, with a worked example with a remainder and the mistakes kids make most often.
What it is
Long division splits a big number into equal groups one digit at a time. Each round has the same four steps: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down. When there is nothing left to bring down, whatever is left over is the remainder.
Fourth graders usually divide up to four-digit numbers by one-digit numbers. Two-digit divisors and decimal answers tend to come in fifth and sixth grade.
A worked example
745 ÷ 4 = 186 R 1
1
8
6
4
7
4
5
−
4
3
4
−
3
2
2
5
−
2
4
1
R 1
Every step, the way the pad explains it
- Divide: how many times does 4 go into 7? 1. Write 1 above the 7.
- Multiply 1 × 4 = 4. Write 4 under the 7.
- Subtract: 7 − 4 = 3.
- Bring down the 4 next to the 3 to make 34.
- Divide: how many times does 4 go into 34? 8. Write 8 above the 4.
- Multiply 8 × 4 = 32. Write 32 under the 34.
- Subtract: 34 − 32 = 2.
- Bring down the 5 next to the 2 to make 25.
- Divide: how many times does 4 go into 25? 6. Write 6 above the 5.
- Multiply 6 × 4 = 24. Write 24 under the 25.
- Subtract: 25 − 24 = 1. Nothing more to bring down, so the remainder is 1. Answer: 186 R 1.
- 1Divide: 4 fits into 7 once. Write 1 above the 7. Multiply and subtract: 7 − 4 = 3.
- 2Bring down the 4 to make 34. 4 fits 8 times, because 8 × 4 = 32. Subtract: 34 − 32 = 2.
- 3Bring down the 5 to make 25. 4 fits 6 times, because 6 × 4 = 24. Subtract: 25 − 24 = 1.
- 4Nothing left to bring down, so the answer is 745 ÷ 4 = 186 R 1.
- 5Check: 186 × 4 + 1 = 745.
Common mistakes
Skipping a 0 in the answer when the divisor does not fit.
Every digit brought down needs a digit above it, even if that digit is 0.
A remainder that is bigger than the divisor.
If what is left is as big as the divisor, the last answer digit should go up by one.
Answer digits drifting out of their columns.
Graph paper keeps each digit over the right place.
Times table slips.
Keep a facts chart nearby while learning the steps.
Grade range and practice
Usually taught in grades 4–6. Schools order topics a little differently, so your child’s class may meet it earlier or later.
- Have your child say each step out loud as they go.
- Start with no remainders, then remainders, then zeros in the answer.
- Check every answer by multiplying back and adding the remainder.
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