Long Division by Two Digits

Long division by two digits

Long division with a two-digit divisor works by breaking the dividend into smaller parts, one place at a time. The goal is to find how many times the divisor fits into the current part, then subtract, bring down the next digit, and repeat.

1. Estimate the first digit

Look at the leftmost digits of the dividend that are large enough to divide by the two-digit number. Choose the largest quotient digit that does not make the product too big.

2. Multiply and subtract

Multiply the divisor by your chosen quotient digit. Write the product under the current part and subtract carefully.

3. Bring down the next digit

Bring down the next digit of the dividend to form a new number. Then divide again using the same process.

4. Continue to the end

Repeat until every digit has been used. If a remainder is left, write it clearly.

Check your answer

Use multiplication to verify: divisor × quotient + remainder should equal the original dividend. If it does not, review your subtraction and the quotient digits.

Helpful habits

• Keep digits lined up in the correct place values.
• If the first guess is too large, reduce it by 1 and try again.
• Work slowly and keep each step neat.