Long Division

Introduction:

Long division is a mathematical algorithm that is used to divide large numbers or polynomials into smaller pieces. It is an important tool in mathematics, especially in arithmetic, algebra, and calculus. Method of dividing one number (dividend) by another number (the divisor) and finding quotient and remainder. Here, we will see long division, and how to do same, its importance in mathematics, fun facts about long division, long division tips and tricks, and some solved examples.

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Importance in Mathematics:

Long division is one of fundamental concepts in arithmetic, and it is used extensively in algebra and calculus. It helps us to understand principles of division, which is essential in solving mathematical problems. Long division is used in many areas of mathematics, including algebraic equations, quadratic equations, and calculus.

Parts of Long Division:

Long division has four main parts, which include:

Dividend: This number that is being divided. It larger number that is on left side of division symbol.

Divisor:  number that is being used to divide dividend. It is smaller number that is written on right side of division symbol.

Quotient: This result of division. It is answer that is obtained after dividing dividend by divisor.

Remainder: This amount left after division is complete. It is difference between dividend and product of divisor and quotient.

Symbol of Division:

 Symbol of division is a horizontal line with a dot above and a dot below (

   

).  Dots indicate that division is taking place.  Dividend is written above division line, and divisor below division line.  Quotient is written on right side of division symbol, and remainder above division symbol.

 Symbol of division is significant in process because it separates dividend from divisor and indicates operation that is being performed. It also helps to maintain order of numbers during division process.

Process of Long Division:

Long division is a step-by-step process that involves several steps.  Following are steps involved in long division:

1. You have to write dividend on left hand side of division symbol.
2. You have to write divisor on right hand  side of division symbol.
3. Find out how many times divisor will go into first digit of dividend. Then you to write  number above first digit of dividend.
4. Then you have to multiply divisor by number just wrote and write  its product under first digit of   dividend.
5. Then you have to Subtract product from first digit of dividend.
6. Bring down next digit of dividend and write it next to remainder.
7. Do steps 3-6 again until we  have divided all digits of dividend.
8. Write its   remainder 

Example:

 

   

Long Division Steps:

 Following are steps involved in long division, broken down further for clarity:

1. First you have to divide first digit of dividend by divisor.
2. Then write its  quotient above dividend.
3. Then multiply  its quotient by divisor and write product below dividend.
4. Then you have to Subtract its product from first digit of dividend.
5. Then bring down next digit of dividend and then write  next to remainder.
6. Do  steps 1-5 again until   we have divided all digits of dividend.
7. Write its  remainder 

Division with Remainders:

There are two cases of division with remainders:

Case 1: When  dividend’s first digit  is equal to or greater than divisor.For  this case, after subtracting product from dividend’s first digit, bring down dividend’s next digit and do again.When remainder is less than divisor, stop there and write remainder 

Case 2: When dividend’s first digit is less than divisor.

In this case, take dividend’s second digit and write its quotient above dividend.

After that multiply quotient by divisor and write  its product below dividend.

Then do again until remainder is less than divisor. Write its remainder

Division without Remainder:

If dividend is exactly divisible by divisor, then remainder will be zero. In this case,   simply write quotient as result of division.

Long Division of Polynomials:

Long division can also be used to divide polynomials.  Steps involved in long division of polynomials are similar to steps involved in long division of numbers.  Dividend is written as a polynomial, and divisor is also written as a polynomial.  Process of long division is then followed, with coefficients of polynomials being divided in place of digits of dividend.

Long Division with Decimals:

Long division can also be used to divide decimals.  Process is similar to long division of numbers, but decimal point must be considered.  Decimal point is placed directly above division symbol, and process is carried out as usual.

Fun Facts about Long Division:

1. Long division was first introduced in Europe in 13th century.
2.  Long division algorithm has remained virtually unchanged for over 500 years.
3.  Longest division ever computed by a human was done by Shakuntala Devi, an Indian mathematician, who calculated division of two 13-digit numbers in 28 seconds.
4. Long division is often used as a form of mental math, with some people being able to perform it quickly and accurately in their heads.
5. Long division is considered one of most challenging topics in mathematics for students to learn.

When Children Learn About Long Division in School:

Children typically learn about long division in 4th or 5th grade, depending on curriculum of their school district. Some schools may introduce long division earlier, while others may wait until later.

Long division is usually introduced after children have mastered basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is an essential tool for understanding more complex mathematical concepts.

How Long Division Relates to Other Areas of Mathematics:

Long division is a fundamental concept in mathematics and is used extensively in many areas, including algebra, calculus, and statistics. It is essential for solving equations and understanding mathematical relationships. Long division is also important in everyday life, as it is used for calculating taxes, budgets, and other financial calculations.

Long Division Tips and Tricks:

1. Practice, practice, practice.  More practice long division, easier it will become.
2. Use graph paper or lined paper to keep numbers aligned and make it easier to keep track of work.
3. Use estimation to check answers. If estimate is close to actual answer, then division is done correctly.
4. Use mnemonics or memory aids to help remember steps involved in long division.
5. Double-check calculations and make sure to have not made any mistakes.

Common Mistakes When Doing Long Division and How to Avoid Them:

1. Forgetting to carry over a remainder to next step.
2. Misaligning numbers, which can lead to incorrect calculations.
3. Failing to estimate quotient or remainder, which can result in incorrect answers.
4. Not checking work, which can result in mistakes going unnoticed.
5. To avoid these mistakes, it is important to take time and be precise when performing long division.
6. Use graph paper or lined paper to keep numbers aligned, and double-check calculations to make sure have not made any errors. It is also a good idea to estimate quotient or remainder to check work and catch any mistakes before they become a problem.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, long division is an important mathematical concept that is used in many areas of mathematics and everyday life. It is a fundamental tool for solving equations, understanding mathematical relationships, and making financial calculations. Children typically learn about long division in 4th or 5th grade, and it is important to practice regularly and use mnemonics or memory aids to help remember steps involved. By taking time, being precise, and checking   work, can avoid common mistakes and become proficient in long division.

Solved Examples:

1. Divide

   

using long division.

Ans:       

 Quotient is 26, and there is no remainder.

2. Divide 359 by 9 using long division.

Ans:

   

 Quotient is 39, and remainder is 8

3. Divide 648 by 3 using long division.

Ans:

Quotient is 216, and there is no remainder.

4. Divide:

   

using long division.

Ans:

 Quotient is 55, and remainder is 22

5. Divide 67 by 8 using long division.

Ans:

 Quotient is 8, and remainder is 3.

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FAQs:

1. What is the long division method?

Ans: Long division method is a process of dividing one number by another using repeated subtraction and multiplication to determine the quotient and remainder.

2. Why is long division important in mathematics?

Ans: Long division is important in mathematics because it is a fundamental tool for solving equations, understanding mathematical relationships, and making financial calculations.

3. How to divide using long division?

Ans: To divide using long division, first write dividend (the number being divided) and divisor (number doing dividing) in a long division bracket. Then, divide the first digit of the dividend by the divisor and write the quotient (answer to division) above the dividend. Next, multiply the quotient by the divisor and write the product (the result of multiplication) underneath the part of the dividend just divided. Subtract the product from part of the dividend just divided, and bring down the next digit of the dividend. Repeat this process until have no more digits to bring down, and the remainder (if any) is the final answer.

4. How can I avoid common mistakes when doing long division?

Ans: To avoid common mistakes when doing long division, it is important to take time, be precise, use graph paper or lined paper to keep numbers aligned and double-check calculations.

5. Can a long division be used to divide decimals?

Ans: Yes, long division can be used to divide decimals. The process is similar to the long division of numbers, but the decimal point must be considered.

References:

https://www.math-only-math.com/long-division.html

R.S.Agarwal maths book