Long division is a method for dividing large numbers by breaking the problem into smaller, manageable steps. You work from left to right, dividing one digit at a time, then multiplying, subtracting, and bringing down the next digit until you're finished.
Steps
Set up the problem by writing the dividend (number being divided) inside the division bracket and the divisor (number you're dividing by) outside to the left.
Divide the first digit (or first few digits if needed) of the dividend by the divisor, and write the result above the division bracket.
Multiply the divisor by the number you just wrote on top, and write the product below the digits you just divided.
Subtract this product from the digits above it, and write the difference below.
Bring down the next digit of the dividend next to the difference you just found.
Repeat the divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down steps until there are no more digits to bring down. Any remainder left over is written as part of your final answer.
Worked example
To solve 456 ÷ 3: First, 3 goes into 4 once (write 1 on top), multiply 1 × 3 = 3, subtract to get 1, bring down the 5 to make 15. Next, 3 goes into 15 five times (write 5 on top), multiply 5 × 3 = 15, subtract to get 0, bring down the 6. Finally, 3 goes into 6 twice (write 2 on top), multiply 2 × 3 = 6, subtract to get 0. The answer is 152.
Remember
Remember the sequence: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat until you run out of digits.