Divide by Repeated Subtraction

How to divide by repeated subtraction?

We will learn how to find the quotient and remainder by the method of repeated subtraction a division problem may be solved.

Solved examples on divide by repeated subtraction:

1. Solve 16 ÷ 8                                                                       

Solution:

8 is subtracted repeatedly from 16 as shown:

When 8 is subtracted from 16, 2 times, then we get the remainder zero.

Hence, 16 ÷ 8 = 2, 2 is the quotient. 

2. Divide 20 ÷ 5

5 is subtracted repeatedly from 20 as shown:

When 5 is subtracted from 20, four times, then we get the remainder zero.

Hence, 20 ÷ 5 = 4, 4 is the quotient.              

3. Solve 12 by 3

Solution:

3 is subtracted repeatedly from 12 as shown:

When 3 is subtracted from 12, four times, then we get the remainder zero.

Hence, 12 ÷ 3 = 4, 4 is the quotient.              

4. Divide 28 ÷ 7

7 is subtracted repeatedly from 28 as shown:

When 7 is subtracted from 28, four times, then we get the remainder zero.

Hence, 28 ÷ 7 = 4, 4 is the quotient.        

5. Divide 32 ÷ 4

4 is subtracted repeatedly from 32 as shown:

When 4 is subtracted from 32, eight times, then we get the remainder zero.

Hence, 32 ÷ 4 = 8, 8 is the quotient.              

6. Solve 18 by 6.

6 is subtracted repeatedly from 18 as shown:

When 6 is subtracted from 18, three times, then we get the remainder zero.

Hence, 18 ÷ 6 = 3, 3 is the quotient.              

7. Divide 12 flowers in 3 vases.

We put 1 flower in each of the 3 vases and subtract 3 from 12 each time.

12 – 3 = 9

9 – 3 = 6

6 – 3 = 3

3 – 3 = 0

There are no more flowers left. We subtracted 4 times 3 from 12.

We subtract 3 flowers 4 times from 12 to get 0.

7. Divide 18 ice creams among 6 children by repeated subtraction.

8. Find 12 ÷ 4 by repeated subtraction.

Example: 

12 - 4 = 8    →    8 - 4 = 4    →   4 - 4 = 0

4 can be subtracted 3 times from 12. So, 12 ÷ 4 = 3

The above examples will help us to solve various division problems on 2-digit number by a single digit number using the method of repeated subtraction.

Division by Equal Distribution:

When 8 balls are equally distributed in 2 boys, we write 8 ÷ 2 = 4

Questions and Answers on Divide by Repeated Subtraction:

1. Divide using repeated subtraction. One has been done for you.

(i) Divide 16 by 4.

(ii) Divide 6 by 2.

(iii) Divide 12 by 3.

(iv) Divide 20 by 5.

(v) Divide 14 by 7.

Answer:

1. (ii)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

2nd Grade Math Practice

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