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Dividing by two-digit numbers
Can do: Divides four-digit numbers by two-digit divisors using a written method they can explain.
Why it matters
It's the hardest routine procedure in elementary maths, and it demands estimation, multiplication and subtraction working together.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Guesses the quotient digit wildly, loses track of place value, or misaligns the columns.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Work out 3,472 ÷ 16."
Solid looks like: 217, with the working legible and place value maintained.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Build the Multiples First
- 1Before dividing, write out the divisor's easy multiples: 16, 32, 48, 80, 160.
- 2That list removes the guessing, which is where most children fail.
- 3Estimate the answer first: 3,472 ÷ 16 is roughly 3,500 ÷ 16, about 200.
- 4Work through the method, saying place value aloud: "How many 16s in 34 hundreds?"
- 5Multiply back to check — that check is not optional at this level.
If it's too hard
Divisors of 20, 25 and 50, which have friendly multiples.
If it's too easy
Divisions with a remainder that has to be expressed as a fraction or a decimal.
Say this
"Write the multiples of 16 down the side first. Now you're choosing, not guessing."