How to Do Long Division Step by Step
Long division follows a repeating pattern: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down. This lesson walks through each step with full worked examples, then gives you problems to solve on your own.
See It
Study the worked examples below. Each step is shown so you can follow exactly how the problem is solved.
Do It
Now it's your turn. Grab a pencil and paper and try these problems using the method you just studied.
Check It
Done? Reveal the answer key to check your work.
What Is Long Division?
Long division is a method for dividing large numbers that breaks the problem into a series of smaller, manageable steps. Instead of trying to figure out a big division problem all at once, you work through it digit by digit using a repeating cycle: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.
For example, to solve 856 ÷ 4, you start by asking how many times 4 goes into 8 (the first digit). Then you multiply, subtract, bring down the next digit, and repeat. Each cycle gives you one digit of the answer.
Long division is one of those skills that looks intimidating at first but becomes mechanical once you see the pattern. This activity shows the pattern step by step with worked examples, then gives you matching problems to practice until it clicks.
This Is One Activity From Book 1: Basic Math Operations
The full book has 50 activities just like this one — each with worked examples, matching practice problems, and a complete answer key. No tutor needed. No app. Just a pencil and a workbook.
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