Division Homework Help for Struggling Students

Division Help

Use Manipulatives

'Manipulative' is a fancy term for 'an object that you can move around.' Examples of manipulatives include coins, paper clips and buttons, and they can be helpful when you're solving division problems.

For instance, if you're solving the problem 8 ÷ 2, you'd start with eight objects. Then, since you're dividing by two, you'd divide the eight objects into groups of two. The number of groups you'd end up with (four) is the answer to the problem (8 ÷ 2 = 4).

Count Up Tally Marks

If you don't have access to manipulatives, you can also solve division problems using tally marks. For example, if you need to solve the problem 28 ÷ 4, write tally marks in groups of four until you have a total of 28 marks. The number of groups of four that you end up with (seven) is the answer to your division problem (28 ÷ 4 = 7). This method can be time consuming, so you shouldn't rely on it if you're taking a timed test.

Make Flashcards

While it's important to understand division conceptually, it's equally important to have your basic division facts memorized. One effective way to accomplish this is to make flashcards. Start by writing each of the basic division facts on index cards, and put the answers on the back. Make sure that you use thick cards and write lightly so that you can't see the answers through the cards. Also, have an adult check to make sure you've written down the correct answers.

To use your flashcards effectively, divide them up into small batches of 5-10 cards. Memorize each card in the first batch, and then move on to the next batch. After you've memorized all of the facts in the second batch, review by mixing the two batches together. Then, move on to the next batch and repeat until you've gone through all of the cards. Once you've memorized your facts, practice them at least once each day so you don't forget them.

Use Your Multiplication Facts

Since division is the inverse (opposite) of multiplication, you can use your knowledge of multiplication facts to help solve division problems. For instance, imagine that you're stuck on the problem 35 ÷ 7. If you can't remember the answer, you might recall that 7 x 5 = 35. Since that's true, then 35 ÷ 7 = 5.