1/15
00:00

Learn more about this topic →

E.6 Divide whole numbers by 2-digit numbers

Loading questions...

Go to the practice →

What does it mean to divide by 2-digit numbers?

Division is the process of separating a number into equal parts or groups. When dividing by a 2-digit number, you are finding how many times that number fits into another, larger number.

Example:
  • Example: 624 ÷ 24 = 26
Note

Division with 2-digit divisors often requires estimation, long division steps, and checking your work with multiplication.

Steps to divide by 2-digit numbers

Follow these steps to divide a whole number by a 2-digit number using long division:

Steps:
  • Step 1: Estimate how many times the divisor fits into the first digits of the dividend.
  • Step 2: Multiply the divisor by your estimate.
  • Step 3: Subtract the product from the current part of the dividend.
  • Step 4: Bring down the next digit and repeat the process.
  • Step 5: When no digits remain, your answer is the quotient. Any number left over is the remainder.
Note

Use estimation to check whether your quotient makes sense before you finish. Adjust if your guess is too high or too low.

Example problem

Let’s solve 972 ÷ 36 using long division.

Example Solution:
  • Step 1: 36 goes into 97 about 2 times (because 36 × 2 = 72).
  • Step 2: Subtract 72 from 97 to get 25.
  • Step 3: Bring down the next digit, 2, to make 252.
  • Step 4: 36 goes into 252 exactly 7 times (because 36 × 7 = 252).
  • Step 5: Subtract 252 − 252 = 0. The quotient is 27.
Note

Always check your answer: 36 × 27 = 972, which means the division is correct.

Estimating quotients

Before dividing, estimate the quotient to make sure your final answer is reasonable. Round both numbers to easier values to work with.

Example:
  • Example: 782 ÷ 38
  • Round 782 to 800 and 38 to 40.
  • Then estimate: 800 ÷ 40 = 20.
Note

Your estimate helps you predict what the quotient will be close to before using long division.

Checking your work

After dividing, you can always check your answer using multiplication and addition if there is a remainder.

Example:
  • If 845 ÷ 32 = 26 R 13
  • Then check: (32 × 26) + 13 = 845
Note

The equation divisor × quotient + remainder = dividend helps confirm your work is correct.

Go to the practice →