Partial quotients is a math process to be used before long division. This math
process shows students WHY we divide, in addition to HOW we divide. Once
students master this, they will have a
better transition to long division.
Partial Quotients
Partial Quotients implement 3 math skills already taught in previous grades:
multiply, subtract, add.
Partial Quotients Checklist:
1. Multiply your divisor by 1,2,5,10. Box in your
answers. Depending on how big your dividend is,
the divisor may also be multiplied by 20, 50, 100,
200, or 500.
Through practice, every student will know how and why we divide.
17
17
2. Subtract the boxed numbers from the multiplication
problems from the dividend. Write down the
multiplication fact you used to subtract on the left
side of the line, underline the divisor of that fact and
place the other number on the right side of the line.
X 1
1 7
X 10
170
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3. Cross out the multiplication problem that has an
answer that will not subtract from the dividend
anymore.
X 2
3 4
X 20
340
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you can not subtract
anymore.
5. When you have all of your multiplication problems
crossed out you are ready to add up the number on
the other side of the line.
6. Your added up numbers will be your quotient.
7. If you have any number remaining from your
subtraction problems that won’t subtract any more,
that will be your remainder. Place both on top of the
division house.
17
17
X 5
85
X 50
850
32 r 3
17 547
- 3 4 0
2 0 7
- 1 7 0
3 7
- 3 4
3
17 x 20
20
17 x 10
10
17 x 2
2
32