Long Division

Long division (called the algorithmic process) is the next on my list -- I mean, my kid's list -- to learn.

The standard approach to solving long division is broken down into five steps:

1. Divide
2. Multiply
3. Subtract
4. Bring Down
5. Repeat (if necessary)

In case you need a bit of a refresher, here are a few sites that explain and illustrate the process:

• the Long Division page at Math is Fun

• the Long Division page at AAA Math

• the Long Division lesson at Cool Math 4 Kids (you can test your skills at their Number Monster page)

DoubleDivision.org is a site that introduces a different method of doing long division and has an easy-to-understand calculator that works the problem through with you step by step. Instead of five steps, double division has three:

Step 1 - Double, double, double.
Step 2 - Subtract off multiples.
Step 3 - Add up your answer.

The benefit of this system over the five-step system is said to be that

double division does not depend on memorizing the multiplication facts or estimating how many times one number goes into another. It may take 50% longer, but it is far less frustrating and probably easier to understand than long division.

Whatever works works for me!




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