LONG DIVISION Algorithm

An algorithm for dividing multi-digit numbers. A step-by-step procedure.

DIVIDEND DIVISOR QUOTIENT

The quantity being divided The quantity of equal shares The quantity of groups of shares;
in a division problem. the dividend is split into. the “answer” to a division problem.

Identify the dividend and the divisor.

STEP 1

dividend ÷ divisor = quotient

List multiples of the divisor (you’ll need them in STEP 4).

STEP 2

Write the problem in long division format.

quotient
STEP 3

divisor dividend

DIVIDE
STEP 4: THE ALGORITHM

MULTIPLY

SUBTRACT

BRING DOWN

REPEAT

Describe the quotient in plain language.

INTERPRET

© The Illustrated Classroom Long Division