Dividing with a Remainder

Sometimes a number cannot be divided exactly into equal groups

The amount left over is called the remainder

• For example, 14 ÷ 4 gives 3 full groups with 2 left over

• So, 14 ÷ 4 = 3 r 2

To work out 17 ÷ 5, use the 5 times table

• 5 × 3 = 15, which is too low

• 5 × 4 = 20, which is too high

• So the answer is 3 r 2

The remainder must always be smaller than the number you are dividing by

• For example, in 23 ÷ 6, the remainder cannot be 6 or more

• 6 × 3 = 18, and 23 − 18 = 5

• So, 23 ÷ 6 = 3 r 5