Division: sharing, grouping and remainders · Usually met around P2
Sharing, grouping and remainders
The remainder is always less than the divisor.
How to do it
Method
The remainder is always less than the divisor
14 ÷ 3 = 4 r 2 (3 × 4 + 2 = 14)
Another way
Think multiplication
3 × 4 = 12, 14 − 12 = 2
In full
There are two ways to divide. Sharing: 12 shared equally among 3, one each in turn, gives 4 each, 12 ÷ 3 = 4. Grouping: 12 in groups of 3 makes 4 groups, also 12 ÷ 3 = 4. What is left over, too few for another group, is the remainder: 14 in groups of 3 makes 4 groups with 2 left, written 14 ÷ 3 = 4 r 2. The remainder is always smaller than the number you divide by, or another group could be made. Or think of multiplying: 3 × 4 = 12, and 12 + 2 = 14.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
25 things are shared equally among 5 plates, as in the picture. How many are on each plate?
Show the answer and working
Answer: 5
Shared equally: 25 ÷ 5 = 5, 5 on each plate.
Example 2
33 ÷ 8 = □ r □
Fill in each box
Show the answer and working
Answer: 4，1
8 × 4 = 32, and one more 8 goes past 33; 33 − 32 = 1.
Example 3
32 in groups of 5 makes 5 groups with 7 left over.
True or false?
Show the answer and working
Answer: False
The leftover must be fewer than 5, or another group can be made: 32 ÷ 5 = 6 r 2.
Practise it in the game →Division: sharing, grouping and remainders · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download