KS2 SATs 2018 — Mathematics Paper 1: Arithmetic

The idea

Long division asks: how many whole groups of the divisor fit into the number? Work through the number from left to right. At each step, write how many groups fit, multiply to find how much is used, subtract, and bring down the next digit.

Sometimes nothing is left over and the division is exact. Sometimes a small amount remains that is not enough to make another whole group. That amount is the remainder, and it must always be smaller than the divisor. If your remainder is bigger than the divisor, another group would have fitted.

Check a division by multiplying back: divisor × answer, then add the remainder. You should land exactly on the number you started with. This quick check catches most slips.

Worked example

Work out 987 ÷ 24.

1. 24 × 4 = 96, so 4 groups of 24 fit into 98, leaving 2.
2. Bring down the 7 to make 27. 24 × 1 = 24, leaving 3.
3. There are no more digits to bring down, so 3 is the remainder.
4. Check: 24 × 41 = 984, and 984 + 3 = 987.

Answer: 41 remainder 3

Watch out

• Writing a remainder that is bigger than the divisor.
• Forgetting to bring down the next digit before dividing again.