Rectangular Array/Area Model of Division
Did you know that you can use an area model to help you solve a division
problem like the one listed below?
260 ÷ 4 = ?
Step 1: First, draw a rectangle and write the dividend inside of it. Write the
divisor on the left side of the rectangle.
4
260
Step 2: Look at the first digit in the dividend. If that is not divisible by the divisor, then
combine the first and second digit in the dividend. In this case, you know that 2 is not
divisible by 4, so now ask yourself, “What number can I multiply by 4 that will get me close
to 26 without going over?” You know that 4 x 6 = 24. Write a 6 above the rectangle and
add a zero for each digit after the 26. Now that you have written 60 above the rectangle,
multiply 60 x 4 and write the product, 240, under the 260 inside the rectangle. Subtract 240
from260 and write the difference, 20, below the rectangle.
60
4
260
-240
20
Step 3: Since you still have 20 to deal with, you need to continue by expanding
the rectangle to the right of the first section. Write 20 in that section.
60
4
260
-240
20
20
Step 4: Now divide your new dividend, 20, by your divisor, 4. Write that
answer, 5, above that section of the rectangle. Multiply 5 by 4 and write the
product, 20, under the 20 inside the rectangle. Write the difference, 0, below
that section of the rectangle. Now add the quotients from each section to find
the final quotient.
5 =
60 +
65
4
260
-240
20
-20
20
0
*Click on this link for further explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF1KOA_AIfs.