Mastering Long Division Word Problems: Tips and Tricks

Author: Noreen Niazi
Updated on: August 22, 2023

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Many students find it difficult and irritating to master the ability of long division. In order to find the solution, entails dividing huge integers by smaller ones, frequently with remainders. But long division is not only a math concept; it is also a helpful tool for resolving issues in everyday life.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to solve long-division word problems, which call for using long division to arrive at the answer.

To make long division simpler and more enjoyable, we’ll share several strategies with you. We’ll also give you some practice worksheets and examples so you can hone your skills. You can competently handle any long-division word issue once you’ve finished reading this blog.

Introduction to Long Division Word Problems

Long division word problems are situations when huge numbers are divided by smaller ones, frequently with some remainder remaining.

You should know how many pizzas or books you can fit on a shelf, for instance, or how many pizzas you can purchase for a party.

The long division method is a step-by-step procedure that lets you identify the quotient and the remainder of a division to resolve these issues.

We shall define long division, describe how it operates, and discuss its benefits in this introduction. Additionally, we’ll offer you some tips and tricks to make long division simpler and more enjoyable.

After reading this post, you will be equipped to handle any challenging long-division word problems.

Understanding the Basics of Long Division

Before diving into long-division word problems, it’s important to understand long division itself.

Long division is a method of dividing one number by another using repeated subtraction.

The procedure is dividing the dividend (the number being divided) by the divisor (the number conducting the dividing) and expressing the solution as a quotient (the division’s outcome) and a remainder (any remaining sum after the division is complete).

There are a few steps you must take in order to accomplish long division.

To begin, divide the dividend’s first digit by the divisor, then write the result above the dividend.
After that, multiply the divisor by the quotient, and write the result underneath the dividend’s leading digit.
After that, you bring down the dividend’s next digit by deducting the product from the first digit.
The ultimate quotient and the number of digits brought down are determined by repeating this process.

Common Types of Division Word Problems

There are several common types of division word problems that you may encounter in your studies. These include:

Equal Sharing Problems

These problems involve dividing a quantity equally among a certain number of people or objects. For example, “If there are 12 cupcakes and three children, how many cupcakes will each child get?”

Grouping Problems

These problems involve dividing a quantity into a certain number of groups. For example, “If there are 24 apples and six baskets, how many apples will be in each basket?”

Comparison Problems

These problems involve comparing two quantities and finding their differences. For example, “If 36 cookies are divided equally between two jars, how many cookies will be in each jar?”

Tips for Solving Long Division Word Problems

Long-division word problems might be difficult to solve, but with the appropriate method, anyone can become proficient. Here are some ideas for resolving word puzzles involving long division:

Read the issue thoroughly: Make sure you understand the question before you attempt to solve it. Decide what information is crucial, then highlight or underline it.
Draw an image or a diagram: Sometimes, drawing a picture or a diagram might assist you in better understanding the issue. This can make it simpler to comprehend the issue and formulate a solution.
Define the issue: It’s crucial to divide complex long-division word problems into smaller, more digestible chunks because they can be challenging. Decide what needs to be separated, then arrange the puzzle pieces rationally.
Utilise estimation: Using estimation can help you ensure that your response makes sense and has been checked. To get an approximation of the result, round the numbers to the nearest whole number and divide them mentally.
Verify your work: Check your work after you’ve finished the problem to make sure your solution makes sense. Ensure you have answered the question posed and double-check your calculations. triangles

Tricks for Simplifying Long Division Word Problems

You can utilize a few shortcuts in addition to the aforementioned advice to make long-division word problems simpler. These consist of:

Implement multiplication: To answer a division problem, using multiplication can occasionally be simpler. For instance, multiplying 24 by 1/6 can be used to determine how many cookies each child will receive if six children share 24 cookies evenly.
Apply a table: A table can be an effective tool for information organization and segmenting a complex issue. Create a table outlining the crucial details, then use it to aid problem-solving.
Employ a calculator: While it’s crucial to be able to do long division by hand, a calculator can be helpful for ensuring that you’ve done everything correctly.

Examples of Long Division Word Problems

To help you understand how to solve long-division word problems, here are some examples:

If there are 36 marbles and they are divided equally among six children, how many marbles will each child get?

Solution: Divide 36 by 6 to get 6. Each child will get 6 marbles.

If there are 24 pencils and they are divided equally among four children, how many pencils will each child get?

Solution: Divide 24 by 4 to get 6. Each child will get 6 pencils.

If there are 42 apples and they are divided equally among seven baskets, how many apples will be in each basket?

Solution: Divide 42 by 7 to get 6. Each basket will have 6 apples.

Practice Exercises for Long Division Word Problems

To master long-division word problems, it’s important to practice solving them. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your skills:

There are 48 crayons and they are divided equally among eight children. How many crayons will each child get
If there are 36 cookies divided equally between three jars, how many cookies will be in each jar.
There are 28 flowers and they are divided equally among four vases. How many flowers will be in each vase?

Tools and Resources for Mastering Long Division Word Problems

In addition to practice exercises, several tools and resources are available to help you master long-division word problems. Here are some of my favorites:

Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free online courses and practice exercises in various subjects, including math. Their long division and word problem courses are particularly helpful.
Mathway: Mathway is a website and app that provides step-by-step solutions to math problems, including long-division word problems.
Math-Drills.com: Math-Drills.com offers free printable math worksheets, including long-division word problem worksheets.

Long Division Word Problems in Real-Life Situations

Although long-division word problems may appear to be an abstract notion, they can have practical uses. Long division can be used to calculate how many snacks each guest will receive, for instance, if you are arranging a party and need to distribute the snacks equally among your guests. Similar to this, you can use long division to calculate how much each individual owes when dividing a meal bill with friends.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Even though long division word problems can be difficult, anyone can conquer them with the appropriate strategy and a few useful hints and tactics. To make sure your response is accurate, examine the problem carefully, divide it into manageable chunks, and utilise estimating and checking. You’ll be tackling long-division word problems with ease in no time with practise and the correct tools.