Long division is the first math procedure most children learn that has many steps in a row. Each step is easy on its own. The hard part is remembering which step comes next, and keeping the numbers lined up.
The memory trick: "Does McDonald's Sell Burgers?"
- Divide
- Multiply
- Subtract
- Bring down
Then repeat. Write the four letters at the top of the homework page, and have your child point to each one as they go. It sounds simple, but it keeps them from skipping steps.
A worked example: 852 ÷ 4
- Divide. How many 4s fit in 8? Two. Write 2 above the 8.
- Multiply. 2 × 4 = 8. Write 8 under the 8.
- Subtract. 8 − 8 = 0.
- Bring down. Bring down the 5. Now you have 5.
- Repeat. How many 4s fit in 5? One. 1 × 4 = 4. 5 − 4 = 1. Bring down the 2 to make 12.
- Repeat. How many 4s fit in 12? Three. 3 × 4 = 12. 12 − 12 = 0.
The answer is 213.
Three habits that prevent most mistakes
- Use graph paper. One digit per box keeps the columns straight. Most long division errors are really lining-up errors.
- Estimate first. Before starting, ask, "About how big should the answer be?" 852 ÷ 4 is about 800 ÷ 4, which is 200. If your child gets 21 or 2,130, they'll know to look again.
- Check with multiplication. 213 × 4 should equal 852.
The hidden cause of long division trouble
When a child struggles with long division, the problem is often not division at all. It's multiplication facts. If they have to count up to figure out how many 7s are in 54, every step takes forever and they lose the thread. Shoring up facts for a couple of weeks can make long division click almost overnight.
Stay calm, keep it short
Long division homework can turn into a long, tearful evening. Two or three problems done carefully are worth more than a full worksheet done in frustration. If you hit a wall, stop, and let a fresh brain try tomorrow.
How Mighty Minds can help
Our grade 4 sessions cover multi-digit multiplication, long division, equivalent fractions and angles. Tutors check for missing foundations, like facts and place value, and fix those first so the big procedures make sense.