Divide up to 4 digits by 1 digit - KS2 Maths

Dividing numbers

Multiplication and division are connected. Think about the times table facts you have been learning.

3 'multiplied by' 7 makes 21.

7 'times' 3 equals 21.

The inverse operation is division.

21 'shared by' 3 makes 7.

21 'divided into' 7 equal groups makes 3.

You can use these facts to solve simple division questions, but when dealing with larger numbers, you can use grouping with a written method.

Complete this interactive activity to better understand how to divide 4 digit numbers by 1 digit numbers. Then put your knowledge to the test.

The written method for division does not look like the methods you use for addition, subtraction and multiplication.

When using a written method, try to think of the numbers as place value counters and then put them into equal groups.

Your answer will always be how many groups are in each column.

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Let's look at a solving 9663 ÷ 3 using a written method.
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Converting numerals to counters helps you to make equal groups.
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Start with the thousands column. 9 thousands divided by 3 is 3 groups.
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Now look at the hundreds. 6 hundreds divided by 3 is 2 groups.
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Now the tens. 6 tens divided by 3 is 2 groups.
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Finally the ones. 3 ones divided by 3 is 1 group. So 9663 ÷ 3 = 3221