Long Division Step by Step

Long division is a method for dividing bigger numbers. Example: 156 ÷ 4. Step 1: Does 4 go into 1? No. Does 4 go into 15? Yes, 3 times. Write 3. Step 2: 3 × 4 = 12. Subtract: 15 - 12 = 3. Bring down the 6: 36. Step 3: 4 goes into 36 nine times. Write 9. 9 × 4 = 36. Subtract: 0. Answer: 39.

Long division has 4 repeating steps: Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down (DMSB). Some teachers say "Dad Mom Sister Brother" to remember the order. You repeat DMSB until you run out of digits. If there is a leftover, thats the remainder.

Divide 274 ÷ 7. Step 1: 7 into 2? No. 7 into 27? 3 times (3×7=21). Write 3. Subtract 27-21=6. Bring down 4: 64. Step 2: 7 into 64? 9 times (9×7=63). Write 9. Subtract 64-63=1. No more digits. Remainder 1. Answer: 39 remainder 1, or 39 R1.

Long division teaches patience. Each step is simple, but you have to repeat correctly. Making a small mistake early compounds into a big one later. Double-check each subtraction. Long division builds the discipline you will need for algebra and beyond.