Explain how the remainder relates to the divisor in a division equation
I can explain how the remainder relates to the divisor in a division equation.
Explain how the remainder relates to the divisor in a division equation
I can explain how the remainder relates to the divisor in a division equation.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In a division equation or problem, the remainder is always less than the divisor.
- We can decide if a division equation is incorrect by comparing the size of the remainder to the size of the divisor.
Keywords
Dividend - The dividend is the whole amount to be divided into groups or divided into equal parts. It is what we are dividing.
Divisor - The divisor is the number in each group or the number of equal parts that the whole is divided into or between. It is what we are dividing by.
Remainder - A remainder is the amount left over after division when the dividend does not divide exactly by the divisor.
Common misconception
Rather than using the largest multiple less than or equal to the dividend, children may identify the closest multiple (one that is too high) or one that is less than the dividend but is too low.
Add further examples using counters to explore patterns where one more is added to draw attention to the size of the remainder compared to the divisor. Draw number lines alongside these so children begin to also visualise in a more abstract way.
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Explain how the remainder relates to the divisor in a division equation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Explain how the remainder relates to the divisor in a division equation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Division with remainders unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
the largest multiple of 6 that is less than or equal to 56
the largest multiple of 8 that is less than or equal to 60
the largest multiple of 9 that is less than or equal to 71

Exit quiz
6 Questions





6
6 r 1
6 r 3
6 r 5
6 r 6