Division by partitioning
You learn to divide beyond the times tables, like 72 ÷ 6, by splitting the big number into handy parts.
How to work it out
- Split the large number into parts you can divide: 72 is 60 and 12.
- Divide each part separately.
- Add the two answers.
A worked example
72 ÷ 6
- Split 72 into 60 and 12.
- Do 60 ÷ 6 = 10.
- Do 12 ÷ 6 = 2.
- Add them: 10 + 2 = 12.
More examples
84 ÷ 7
- Split 84 into 70 and 14.
- Do 70 ÷ 7 = 10.
- Do 14 ÷ 7 = 2.
- Add them: 10 + 2 = 12.
75 ÷ 5
- Split 75 into 50 and 25.
- Do 50 ÷ 5 = 10.
- Do 25 ÷ 5 = 5.
- Add them: 10 + 5 = 15.
96 ÷ 8
- Split 96 into 80 and 16.
- Do 80 ÷ 8 = 10.
- Do 16 ÷ 8 = 2.
- Add them: 10 + 2 = 12.
Try it yourself
84 ÷ 7 =
78 ÷ 6 =
Watch out
You split the number into tens and ones, even if they do not divide: 72 into 70 and 2.
Split it into parts that both divide: 60 and 12 can both be divided by 6.
You divide one part and forget the other: for 72 ÷ 6 you say 10.
Always add the answers for both parts.
Tips
- Look for parts that are both in the times table, like 60 and 12 when you divide by 6.
- Check with multiplication: 12 × 6 = 72.
Why it works
72 ÷ 6 is not in the times table. But 72 is 60 and 12, and you do know 60 ÷ 6 and 12 ÷ 6. Because you divide both parts by 6, you just add the answers together.