Division asks how many groups fit
Long division organizes this question one place at a time. At each step, choose a quotient digit, multiply by the divisor, and subtract. The remaining amount is combined with the next digit’s place value.
Interpret the remainder in context
A whole-number remainder must be smaller than the positive divisor. Depending on the question, it can stay as a remainder, become a fractional part, or help decide whether another whole group is needed.
A mistake to avoid
Do not skip a zero quotient digit when the divisor does not fit a place. Every quotient position matters, just as every digit position matters in the dividend.
Worked example
Divide 947 by 4
4 fits into 9 twice, leaving 1. Bring the next digit into the calculation: 14 gives 3, leaving 2. Then 27 gives 6, leaving 3. The result is 236 remainder 3. Check: 4 × 236 + 3 = 947.