Long Division Reference Sheet
Grade 6 Mathematics • Fluency Anchor Chart
Long Division Reference Sheet
Standard Form
Dividend ÷ Divisor = Quotient
Anatomy of a Division Problem
Keep these terms straight!
Answer
Quotient
Sits on the roof
Outside
Divisor
Size of groups
Inside House
Dividend
Total being divided
Leftover
Remainder
What remains
The Standard Algorithm: DMSB(R)
Mnemonic: Does McDonald's Serve Cheese Burgers?
D
Divide
How many times does divisor fit into the current digit(s)?
M
Multiply
Multiply the new quotient digit by the divisor. Place underneath.
S
Subtract
Subtract to find difference. Check: must be less than divisor!
B
Bring Down
Drop the next digit of the dividend straight down.
R
Repeat or Remainder
Repeat steps. If no digits left, write remainder (R) or add decimal.
Annotated Walkthrough
4 7
34 1 5 9 8
- 1 3 6 (34×4)
2 3 8 (bring down 8)
- 2 3 8 (34×7)
0 (No Remainder)
Check: 23 was < 34, so 4 was correct!
Dividing with Decimals (Grade 6 Focus)
Case 1: Decimal in the Dividend Raise to Roof
If the divisor is a whole number, float the decimal straight up into the quotient, then divide as usual.
Example: 46.8 ÷ 6 7.8
6 ) 46.8 → Dot goes straight up!
Case 2: Decimal in the Divisor Shift & Match
Move divisor decimal right until whole. Move dividend decimal the same number of spots!
Example: 14.4 ÷ 1.2 1.2 ) 14.4 → 12 ) 144 = 12
3 Ways to Write Remainders
- Whole + Remainder: 14 R 3
- As a Fraction: (R / Divisor) 14 ¾
- As a Decimal: (Add .0 and continue) 14.75
Watch Out: The Zero Trap!
If the divisor goes in 0 times after bringing down a digit, you must write 0 in the quotient before bringing down the next digit!
8,416 ÷ 4 = 214 8,416 ÷ 4 = 2,104 ✓
Always Check Your Work!
(Quotient × Divisor) + Remainder = Dividend
Estimation Sanity Check
Round numbers first to see if your answer makes sense!
