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division

Short division step by step

Teach the bus-stop method with place-value understanding.

Quick answer

Short division (also known as the bus-stop method) is a way to divide large numbers by breaking them into smaller parts, using place value. You divide from left to right, working with hundreds, tens, and ones.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use short division to divide a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number, showing your working clearly and checking your answer. Success signs:
  • You can split a 3-digit number into hundreds, tens, and ones
  • You can divide each part by the divisor
  • You can add the answers together to get the final quotient
  • You can check your answer by multiplying it back

Why this matters

Short division helps you solve bigger division problems quickly and clearly. It's useful for sharing items, measuring things, splitting money, or working out how many groups you can make. It's also the method you'll use in school for larger numbers and it builds up to more complex maths later on.

How it works

Short division works by splitting the number into its place values (hundreds, tens, ones) and dividing each part by the divisor. You work from left to right, writing the answer above the bus-stop symbol. If there's a remainder, you carry it over to the next digit.

Examples you can see

Let's try dividing 428 by 4 using short division. Step 1: Look at the hundreds place. 400 ÷ 4 = 100. Write 1 above the 4 in 428. Step 2: Look at the tens place. 20 ÷ 4 = 5. Write 5 above the 2. Step 3: Look at the ones place. 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Write 2 above the 8. Step 4: Add the answers: 100 + 5 + 2 = 107. So 428 ÷ 4 = 107. Let's try another one: 639 ÷ 3 Step 1: 600 ÷ 3 = 200. Write 2 above the 6. Step 2: 30 ÷ 3 = 10. Write 1 above the 3. Step 3: 9 ÷ 3 = 3. Write 3 above the 9. Step 4: 200 + 10 + 3 = 213. So 639 ÷ 3 = 213.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt and must divide 486 coins equally among 6 friends. You need to find how many coins each friend gets. Step 1: Start with the hundreds. 400 ÷ 6 = 66 remainder 4. Write 66 above the 4. Step 2: Bring down the 8 to make 48. 48 ÷ 6 = 8. Write 8 above the 8. Step 3: Bring down the 6 to make 6. 6 ÷ 6 = 1. Write 1 above the 6. Step 4: Add the answers: 66 + 8 + 1 = 75. Each friend gets 75 coins.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to carry the remainder to the next digit.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that remainders must be added to the next column.
    Fix: Always write the remainder below the next digit, then divide that new number.
  • Mistake: Dividing from right to left instead of left to right.
    Why it happens: Confusion with the order of place values.
    Fix: Remember to start with the largest place value (hundreds) and work to the smallest (ones).
  • Mistake: Not writing the answer above the correct digit.
    Why it happens: Not matching the division with the correct column.
    Fix: Always make sure the answer you write is above the digit you're dividing.
  • Mistake: Adding the answers incorrectly.
    Why it happens: Not understanding place value when combining answers.
    Fix: Write each answer clearly, then add them using place value.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Practising short division with real objects like counters or blocks
  • Using place value charts to help children understand hundreds, tens, and ones
  • Checking that children write their answers in the right place
  • Encouraging children to check their answers by multiplying
  • Reinforcing that division is about sharing equally
You can ask your child to explain each step in their working. If they struggle, try using a visual method first, like drawing groups of items or using a place value chart.

Practice questions

  1. What is 364 ÷ 4?
  2. What is 582 ÷ 6?
  3. What is 729 ÷ 9?
  4. What is 456 ÷ 3?
  5. What is 847 ÷ 7?
Answers:
  1. 364 ÷ 4 = 91
  2. 582 ÷ 6 = 97
  3. 729 ÷ 9 = 81
  4. 456 ÷ 3 = 152
  5. 847 ÷ 7 = 121

FAQ

What is short division?

Short division is a method of dividing large numbers by smaller numbers using place value and the bus-stop symbol.

Why do we use the bus-stop method?

The bus-stop method helps us divide large numbers clearly and quickly by breaking them into smaller parts.

How do I know when to carry a remainder?

You carry a remainder when there is a remainder from dividing one place value and you need to add it to the next digit.

Can I use short division with any numbers?

Yes, you can use short division for any number, but it works best with 1-digit divisors and 2- or 3-digit dividends.

How can I check my answer?

You can check your answer by multiplying the quotient by the divisor and adding any remainder. This should give you the original number.