Use short division (bus stop method) efficiently for dividing by single-digit numbers
Short division (also called the bus stop method) is a compact and efficient way to divide numbers, especially by single-digit divisors. Unlike long division, you work mainly in your head, writing only the quotient above and small remainder numbers below. This method is faster once mastered and takes up less space on paper.
Short division is much faster than long division for single-digit divisors, making it ideal for quick calculations.
Strengthens mental calculation skills and times table recall, essential for all mathematical work.
Perfect for everyday calculations like sharing costs, dividing ingredients in recipes, and splitting quantities.
846 sweets are shared equally among 6 children. How many does each child get?
141
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6 ) 8⁴4⁴6
Working:
8 ÷ 6 = 1 r 2
24 ÷ 6 = 4 r 0
6 ÷ 6 = 1
Answer: 141 sweets each
A factory has 2,736 items to pack into boxes of 8. How many boxes are needed?
342
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8 ) 2⁷3⁶6
Working:
27 ÷ 8 = 3 r 3
33 ÷ 8 = 4 r 1
16 ÷ 8 = 2
Answer: 342 boxes
A school year has 1,575 hours of lessons divided equally over 7 terms. How many hours per term?
225
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7 ) 1⁵5⁷5
Working:
15 ÷ 7 = 2 r 1
17 ÷ 7 = 2 r 3
35 ÷ 7 = 5
Answer: 225 hours per term
£4,563 prize money is split equally among 9 winners. How much does each person receive?
507
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9 ) 4⁵5⁰6³3
Working:
45 ÷ 9 = 5 r 0
6 ÷ 9 = 0 r 6
63 ÷ 9 = 7
Answer: £507 each
Learn from typical errors students make and discover how to avoid them!
What students often do wrong:
When a digit cannot be divided by the divisor (like 6 ÷ 8), students skip it entirely instead of writing 0 in the answer. This causes all subsequent digits to be in the wrong place value position.
Correct approach: When a digit is smaller than the divisor, write 0 above it and combine that digit with the next digit to form a larger number to divide.
Memory tip: "Zero is a number too" - include it in your answer whenever division doesn't work for a digit.
What students often do wrong:
Students write the remainder number too large or in the wrong place, making it hard to read and leading to confusion about which digit they're currently working with.
Correct approach: Write remainder numbers small and slightly raised (like a superscript) before the next digit. Keep your working neat and organized.
Memory tip: "Small and high keeps remainders nearby" - write them small and positioned clearly.
Check your answer by multiplying the quotient by the divisor and adding any remainder. For 846 ÷ 6 = 141, check: 141 × 6 = 846 ✓ The bus stop method is faster than long division once you're confident with your times tables!
You've mastered Short Division Methods!
Next: Explore fractions, decimals, and percentages to extend your number understanding