In primary school, you may have spent a lot of time learning about using long division to divide integers, however, you do not have to use this complex method at this level unless you want to.
Instead, we often use a method that is nicknamed the 'bus-stop' method.
The bus-stop method is a way to use your knowledge of times tables to divide.
e.g. 123 ÷ 3
Step 1: Write out the 3 times table (up to 10 x 3).
3 , 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 , 24 , 27 , 30
Step 2: Set up the division - the number you are dividing by goes outside and the number you are dividing goes inside.
| 3 | 1 2 3 |
Step 3: Starting on the left of the number you are dividing, ask: 'How many 3s go into 1?'
As the answer is zero, we need to carry this 1.
| 0 | |
| 3 |
Step 4: Move onto the next digit. We now ask: 'How many 3s go into 12?'
| 0 4 | |
| 3 |
Step 5: Finally, move onto the last number. 'How many 3s go into 3?'
| 0 4 1 | |
| 3 |
Before you start this activity, make sure you have a pen and paper handy so that you can draw your own 'bus-stops' in this challenges.
