Long Division Calculator
Division Terminology
Quick Reference
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How to Do Long Division
The DMSB Method
Long division follows a repeating pattern: Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down. Remember this with the mnemonic: "Does McDonald's Serve Burgers?"
Divide
How many times does divisor go in?
Multiply
Multiply quotient digit by divisor
Subtract
Subtract product from current number
Bring Down
Bring down the next digit
Example: 847 ÷ 3
282 R1
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3 | 847
6 (3 × 2 = 6)
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24 (8 - 6 = 2, bring down 4)
24 (3 × 8 = 24)
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07 (24 - 24 = 0, bring down 7)
6 (3 × 2 = 6)
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1 RemainderVerification Formula
When Divisor Is Larger
If the divisor is larger than the current digit(s), write 0 in the quotient and bring down the next digit. Keep going until you have enough digits to divide.
Example: 504 ÷ 7
7 doesn't go into 5, so we look at 50. 7 goes into 50 seven times (49). 50 - 49 = 1. Bring down 4 to get 14. 7 goes into 14 twice (14). Answer: 72 with remainder 0.
Converting to Decimals
To continue division past the remainder, add a decimal point and zeros to the dividend. Then continue the same DMSB process.
With Remainder
17 ÷ 4 = 4 R 1
or 4.25 (exact)
Repeating Decimal
10 ÷ 3 = 3 R 1
or 3.333... (repeating)
Tips for Success
- Know your multiplication tables well—they make division much faster
- Always check your work: Quotient × Divisor + Remainder = Dividend
- Keep digits aligned in columns to avoid errors
- If you get a remainder larger than the divisor, your quotient digit is too small
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps of long division?
Long division follows four repeating steps: Divide (how many times does divisor go in?), Multiply (divisor times quotient digit), Subtract (find remainder), Bring down (next digit). Remember: 'Does McDonald's Serve Burgers?' - Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down.
How do you check if your long division answer is correct?
Use the verification formula: Dividend = (Divisor x Quotient) + Remainder. For example, 847 / 3 = 282 R1. Check: (3 x 282) + 1 = 846 + 1 = 847. If the equation balances, your division is correct.
What do you do when the divisor doesn't go into a number?
Write 0 in the quotient for that position and bring down the next digit. For example, in 504 / 7: 7 doesn't go into 5, so look at 50 (7 goes in 7 times). Continue with remaining digits.
How do you convert a remainder to a decimal?
Add a decimal point to the quotient and zeros to the dividend, then continue dividing. For 17 / 4 = 4 R1: add decimal and continue with 10. 4 goes into 10 twice (8), remainder 2. Then 4 goes into 20 five times exactly. Answer: 4.25.