Long Division Help

[kristamaranatha]

My fifth grader is having trouble remembering how to do long division. No matter how many questions I go over with her, she is not remembering the method. I know that repetition is key to remembering, but is there a way that I can help her remember? Thanks.

[Chris in VA]

There are several mnemonic devices with the letters that describes the procedure--here are some.

Maybe they'll help her remember the steps and make it easier.

[Dana]

I'd also suggest doing a few problems with manipulatives. It'll be slow going at first, but it may make the connection clearer with what's going on.

Base 10 blocks probably would work best. Idea is to divide up the largest quantity first, then break down smaller quantities.

 

So for 624 / 5, you have 6 HUNDREDS that you're dividing up into 5 groups.

Each group gets 1 HUNDRED.

We have 1 hundred left over, so break it into tens.

We now have 12 TENS that are being divided into the 5 groups.

(Continue...)

 

The key is talking about place value... it's not 6 divided by 5; it's 6 hundreds divided by 5.

 

Do a couple just with the blocks, then use the algorithm.

[nukeswife]

There are several mnemonic devices with the letters that describes the procedure--here are some.

Maybe they'll help her remember the steps and make it easier.

 

:iagree:

 

I really have to teach my son the "Dead Monkeys Smell Bad" one he'll love it. :lol:

Edited September 30, 2010 by nukeswife

[Ellie]

Saxon has a chart with the steps that the children are required to write/draw many times. Maybe something like that would help--no discussion about how or why it works...just the steps (which are divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat until there are no numbers left).

[AngieW in Texas]

Have you tried teaching her short division instead? It has fewer steps, so it's easier to remember.

 

I tried to teach my middle and my youngest long division, but neither understood until I taught short division instead.

 

http://www.themathpage.com/arith/divide-whole-numbers.htm

[kristamaranatha]

Thanks for these suggestions. Tonight we used the mnemonic device Dad Mom Sister Brother, and that helped it click for her :)

[kristamaranatha]

Another question: What Saxon book can I find that division chart in? Thanks!

[Chris in VA]

I think it's in 6/5, but I could be wrong. I seem to recall doing it this past year.

[TrixieB]

Saxon has a chart with the steps that the children are required to write/draw many times. Maybe something like that would help--no discussion about how or why it works...just the steps (which are divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat until there are no numbers left).

I borrowed a copy of Saxon 5/4 and wrote out the chart. It really helped my older dd to remember the steps.