Division

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Home : 2005 : February : 1

Division
By BN

I show the students compatible numbers for division. I also show them a simple rounding/estimating process.Which is basically the same thing you are doing but it may be a little easier for the students to see the estimated
number.
For example--
362/51
Round one place.
(I tell them to cover one place number in the divisor and one in the dividend.)
362/51 Simple round to 36/5
What number multiplied by 5 will give you a number close to 36? 7 5x7=35
Multiply 7 times the divisor 7x51=357.
(The answer may be too small in that case go up one number or too big go down one number.)

It's easier for the students because they can see the basic multiplication facts.
I know this is basically the same process you are showing them but for some 360/50 is difficult. 36/5 is easier.

I do this on the overhead and put my fingers over the numbers.I have the students put their fingers over the numbers in the divisor and dividend on their papers.

I also put up a big grid with the multipication facts. Even though most students know the facts it helps them during this process.There are many steps in the long division process and they get confused.Looking at the facts charts helps them estimate the right number. After we have practiced for a few days I put the grid away.