How to Solve Division Problems and Find the Right Answer

Getting Division Problems Right

Know How to Solve

The first step in getting division problems right is using the correct process to solve them. When you're working with long division problems, it's important to have the basic division facts memorized. Use flashcards to master all of the division facts within 100.

It also helps to know that division is the inverse of multiplication. This means you can multiply the quotient of a division problem (the answer) by the divisor (number you're dividing by) to get the dividend (number being divided). For instance, in the problem 12 ÷ 3 = 4, 12 is the dividend, 3 is the divisor and 4 is the quotient, so 4 x 3 = 12.

Once you've mastered your basic division facts, the next step is to get a handle on long division. One of the most challenging aspects of dividing larger numbers is estimating each digit of the answer. For instance, when you're dividing 645 by 9, you'll start by estimating how many times 9 goes into 64. Below are several techniques you can use to help you estimate:

1. Round the divisor and the dividend. For instance, you could round 9 up to 10 and 64 down to 60. Since 60 ÷ 10 = 6, and 9 is less than 10, this means 9 can go into 64 more than 6 times.

2. Use your division facts to estimate. For this problem, you know that 9 x 6 = 54 and 9 x 7 = 63, so 7 is likely to be the best fit.

3. Guess and check. You can also just pick a reasonable number and see if it works. If you multiply and see that the result is too large, you need to choose a smaller number. If you multiply and subtract to get a result that's larger than the divisor, you need to choose a larger number.

Checking Your Answer

Even if you've followed the correct procedure to solve your division problem, it's still possible that you made a small mathematical error somewhere along the line. Fortunately, there's a very effective way to check that your answer is correct. Follow these steps:

1. Using a calculator or pencil and paper, multiply the quotient by the divisor.

2. If the answer to the division problem has a remainder, add the remainder to the result of the multiplication.

3. If the answer you get is the same as the dividend, then you've solved the division problem correctly. If not, you'll need to recheck your multiplication. If you're sure that it's correct, then go back and check your work in the division problem.