Topic Two (1.2): Written methods of Division

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

We next move on to looking at written methods of division. Nicknamed by some as ‘The Bus Stop Method’, the methods of short division and long division follow the same method, but with long division we write down all of the steps, whereas with short division most are done mentally.


Consolidate Icon.png Warm Up

Recall of the times tables facts is essential for division work, so let’s start the lesson by playing the same game from the last topic, but this time with a timer to see if you can complete it in three minutes!

PLAY – Times it out: 3 minutes (MyMaths) Links to an external site. [Not available on sample course]

Don’t worry if you didn’t manage to beat the timer today – there will be lots of other opportunities in this course to get quicker!


Interact Icon.png Working through the coursebook

  • Start by watching this video, which introduces short division nicely:

  • Read and make notes on pages 84-85, copying out the worked example on page 84 (where it shows how to use both short division and long division to find the answer to 276 ÷ 6) and on page 85 (where it shows how to give a final answer with a remainder, or with a decimal), if you think it will help you.
  • Now see if you can answer the Band 2, questions 10 and 12 on page 87.
  • If you are finding this tricky, and would like to explore long division, then you may wish to work through these lessons on the MyMaths website:

EXPLORE – Short and long division (MyMaths) Links to an external site. [Not available on sample course]

EXPLORE – Short division (MyMaths) Links to an external site. [Not available on sample course]

  • You may also want to watch the following Corbettmaths videos. The first is long division and the second short division:

and


Optional Activities Icon.png Plenary

This snakey game is great fun and helps reinforce these all-important multiplication facts needed for division. Try it at medium speed!

PLAY – Snakey Solver (MyMaths) Links to an external site. [Not available on sample course]


Bridge Icon.png Support activities for this topic

The Band 1, questions 5 and 6 on page 86 will help build your skills on this topic.


Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

There are no extension textbook questions for this topic, but if you would like a challenge then try the snakey solver (above) at fast speed. You’ll have to be super quick with your recall, and your reactions!