lesson

A zero quotient digit is meaningful

1 · Learn

Short division compresses the recording, not the mathematics. A carried remainder becomes ten of the next smaller unit. If the next portion contains no complete groups, record a zero in that quotient column.

A final remainder r on division by d can be written r/d. Simplify or continue into decimal places if the context permits equal fractional shares.

Carry place valueKeep zero columnsRemainder / divisor
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

2,436 ÷ 12 = 203: 24 hundreds give 2 hundreds; 3 tens give 0 tens; 36 ones give 3 ones. The zero prevents 203 being mistaken for 23.

3 · Your turn

Find 3,648 ÷ 12. Write 125 ÷ 8 as a mixed number.

Check your answer

304; 15 5/8, because 8 × 15 = 120 with 5 left.

4 · Apply your learning

Compare a long and short recording of one calculation, matching the same place-value steps.

Adult guidance and safety

Ask the learner to explain the method and check it using a different representation. Supply place-value grids, fraction strips, accurate diagrams and measuring tools where needed. These examples need varied practice; a short correct answer alone does not establish fluency.

Open your writing and drawing pad

Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.

Not saved to your account. Download your drawing as PNG and your typed notes as TXT before leaving or refreshing. They are separate files. Do not enter private information.

Open a picture saved on this device to draw on it again. Opening replaces the drawing, but Undo can restore it. PNG only, up to 4 MB and 4096 × 4096 pixels. The picture stays in this browser; it is not uploaded. Paper lines in a saved picture become part of that picture.

Drawing is unavailable. Use the typed working area below.

Your pad is empty.

Open a UTF-8 TXT file from this device, up to 40 KB and 10,000 characters. It stays in this browser. Opening can be undone until you type again. Downloads keep a new copy; they do not change the file you opened.

Typed notes are not submitted answers.

Check a calculation · Year 5 onward

Use this only when your teacher or adult allows a calculator for the task. Show your thinking first. It does not replace mental or written arithmetic and does not mark your lesson answer.

Practice this lesson

Lesson resources

Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.

Open course resources

Your progress

Ready to continue?