A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Long Division with Remainders

With smaller numbers, it’s easier to spot the remainder using basic multiplication facts. But it becomes much more challenging when students start working with larger problems. An elementary math tutor can step in to guide kids who need extra practice.

Whether your child needs a refresher or is just learning, this step-by-step guide explains how to do long division with remainders in a way that’s easy to follow.

What long division with remainders mean

Before solving examples, it helps to understand the basics of long division and what each part of the problem means.

Long division breaks a larger problem into smaller, easier steps. Let’s use 238 ÷ 3 as an example. The answer is 79 R1, where:

238 is the number being divided (the dividend)

3 is the number you’re dividing by (the divisor)

79 is the result of the division (the quotient)

1 is what’s left over (the remainder)

Long division is useful because it shows the remainder clearly, so you can see exactly what’s left after dividing.

The four steps of long division

Long division follows a repeated four-step cycle:

• Divide – Look at the leftmost digit(s) of the dividend. Determine how many times the divisor fits into that part.

• Multiply – Multiply the divisor by the number you just wrote in the quotient.

• Subtract – Subtract that result from the current portion of the dividend.

• Bring down – Bring the next digit down from the dividend and repeat the process.

Keep going until you’ve brought down every digit. If something remains at the end, that’s your remainder.

Step-by-step example: 916 ÷ 5

At PALS Learning Center in Piscataway, our elementary math tutor uses clear and structured examples like this one to help students understand and practice long division.

Let’s walk through how to solve 916 ÷ 5:

Step 1: Divide

Start with the first digit, 9.

5 fits into 9 once (5 × 1 = 5), so write 1 above the 9.

Step 2: Multiply and subtract

Multiply 5 × 1 = 5.

Subtract: 9 − 5 = 4.

Step 3: Bring down the next digit

Bring down the 1, turning 4 into 41.

Step 4: Divide again

5 fits into 41 eight times (5 × 8 = 40).

Write 8 in the quotient above the 1.

Step 5: Multiply and subtract

Multiply 5 × 8 = 40.

Subtract: 41 − 40 = 1.

Step 6: Bring down the last digit

Bring down the 6, turning 1 into 16.

Step 7: Divide again

5 fits into 16 three times (5 × 3 = 15).

Write 3 above the 6.

Step 8: Multiply and subtract

Multiply 5 × 3 = 15.

Subtract: 16 − 15 = 1.

There are no more digits to bring down, so the remainder is 1.

The final answer is: 916 ÷ 5 = 183 R1

Help your child master long division

Are you looking for an experienced elementary math tutor who can provide step-by-step instruction in a focused and encouraging environment? Call +1 732 777 7997 or email admin@palspiscataway.com to schedule a session today.