Dividing 68880 By 21: A 4th Grade Math Guide

Nov 18, 2025 by Admin 45 views

Hey math whizzes! Let's dive into a classic math problem: dividing 68880 by 21 using the column method. This is a super important skill for 4th graders, and trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be conquering division problems like a pro! I'm going to break down the process step-by-step, making it as clear and easy to understand as possible. So, grab your pencils, get comfy, and let's get started. We'll be using the column method, which is also known as long division, to solve this. It might seem like a lot of steps at first, but each step is straightforward, and with a little practice, you'll be acing these problems in no time. Think of it like a fun puzzle – each step brings you closer to the answer! The main focus here is to understand the concepts behind long division, which is critical for future math concepts. This ensures a strong foundation of your knowledge. Are you ready to level up your math skills? Let's go!

Understanding the Basics of Long Division

Alright, before we jump into the nitty-gritty of dividing 68880 by 21, let's make sure we're all on the same page with the basics. Long division is essentially a way to break down a larger number (the dividend) into equal groups based on a smaller number (the divisor). In our case, 68880 is the dividend, and 21 is the divisor. The goal is to find out how many times 21 fits into 68880 without any remainders (or with a remainder, if it doesn't divide evenly). The result we get, is called the quotient. Think of division like sharing cookies among friends. The total number of cookies is the dividend, and the number of friends is the divisor. The quotient is how many cookies each friend gets. Got it? The remainder is the cookies left over after you've shared them all equally. Knowing this foundation will greatly impact how you solve each math problem. It helps you keep track of what you are doing so you won't get lost in the process. Now, let's get started to the process of solving 68880 divided by 21!

Long division isn't as scary as it looks. It's just a systematic way of breaking down a division problem into smaller, manageable steps. We'll be using a format that looks like this:

divisor | dividend

Where the divisor (21) goes outside the division symbol, and the dividend (68880) goes inside. We'll work through the problem step-by-step, making sure we don't miss anything. Each step will involve dividing, multiplying, subtracting, and bringing down the next digit. It’s like a mathematical dance, with each move bringing us closer to the solution. The most important thing is to take your time and be careful. Double-check your work at each step to avoid any errors. Trust me, it's all about practice. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. And remember, it's okay to make mistakes. That’s how we learn. So, let’s get into the step-by-step process of solving this problem. Ready? Let's go! I'm here to help you get this correct and solve it with ease. Keep in mind that math is fun and you will improve over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Solving 68880 ÷ 21

Okay, guys, let's roll up our sleeves and tackle this problem step-by-step! Here’s how we're going to solve 68880 divided by 21 using the column method:

Set up the problem: Write the problem in the long division format. Place the divisor (21) outside the division symbol and the dividend (68880) inside:
```
21 | 68880
```
Divide the first digit(s): Look at the first digit of the dividend (6). Can 21 go into 6? Nope. So, we look at the first two digits (68). How many times does 21 go into 68? It goes in 3 times (since 21 x 3 = 63).

Write the '3' above the '8' in the dividend (above the second digit, because we used the first two digits to divide). Write 3 as the first number in the quotient. This is the first number in our final answer.
```
  3
21 | 68880
```
Multiply: Multiply the divisor (21) by the number you just wrote in the quotient (3): 21 x 3 = 63.

Write the result (63) under the first two digits of the dividend (68).
```
  3
21 | 68880
     63
```
Subtract: Subtract 63 from 68: 68 - 63 = 5.

Write the result (5) under the 63.
```
  3
21 | 68880
     63
      5
```
Bring down: Bring down the next digit of the dividend (8) next to the 5, making it 58.
```
  3
21 | 68880
     63
      58
```
Repeat the process: Now, how many times does 21 go into 58? It goes in 2 times (since 21 x 2 = 42). Write the '2' next to the '3' in the quotient (the answer).
```
  32
21 | 68880
     63
      58
```
Multiply again: Multiply the divisor (21) by the new number in the quotient (2): 21 x 2 = 42.

Write 42 under 58.
```
  32
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
```
Subtract again: Subtract 42 from 58: 58 - 42 = 16.

Write the result (16) under the 42.
```
  32
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
      16
```
Bring down again: Bring down the next digit (8) next to the 16, making it 168.
```
  32
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
      168
```
Repeat once more: How many times does 21 go into 168? It goes in 8 times (since 21 x 8 = 168). Write the '8' next to the '2' in the quotient.
```
  328
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
      168
```
Multiply one last time: Multiply the divisor (21) by 8: 21 x 8 = 168. Write 168 under 168.
```
  328
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
      168
      168
```
Subtract for the final time: Subtract 168 from 168: 168 - 168 = 0. Write 0 below 168.
```
  328
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
      168
      168
        0
```
Bring down the last digit: Bring down the last digit, which is 0.
Repeat the process one last time: How many times does 21 go into 0? It goes in 0 times. Write 0 in the quotient.
```
  3280
21 | 68880
     63
      58
      42
      168
      168
        00
```

So, 68880 ÷ 21 = 3280. No remainder! Boom! You've successfully solved the problem using the column method. Give yourself a high-five! This is how you tackle long division problems. You've got this! Practice with different numbers, and you'll find that it becomes easier with each problem you solve. This process is repeated with the same steps. Keep the steps consistent, and you will arrive at the correct answer. You will get better at it with practice, and this will become second nature to you.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Alright, you've conquered the problem, but let's go over a few tips and tricks to make sure you're a division superstar. First, practice makes perfect. The more problems you solve, the more comfortable you'll become with the steps. Don't be afraid to try different problems with different numbers. Every practice will increase your knowledge and skill. Second, check your work. Always double-check your calculations, especially the multiplication and subtraction steps. A small mistake can lead to a wrong answer. Third, use estimation. Before you start, estimate the answer to get a general idea of what the answer should be. This helps you catch any significant errors along the way. Fourth, stay organized. Keep your numbers neat and aligned in the columns. This reduces the chances of making mistakes. Fifth, break it down. If the numbers are large, break the problem into smaller steps. This makes it easier to manage. Lastly, ask for help. If you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask your teacher, a friend, or a family member for help. They're there to help you succeed! Always remember that math is a journey, not a destination. And the most important thing is to never give up. Remember, you're not alone in this; we're all learning together. So keep practicing, stay positive, and celebrate your successes! You're all doing great!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best of us make mistakes. But the good news is, we can learn from them! Let's look at some common mistakes when solving division problems and how to avoid them. One common mistake is misaligning numbers. Always keep your numbers in neat columns to prevent errors in multiplication and subtraction. Another mistake is forgetting to bring down a digit. Make sure you bring down each digit in the dividend. Double-check your work to ensure no digits are skipped. A third mistake is making errors in multiplication and subtraction. Take your time and double-check each of your calculations to ensure accuracy. A fourth mistake is not knowing your multiplication tables. Mastering multiplication tables is critical for fast and accurate division. Practice them regularly! A fifth mistake is stopping the process too early. Make sure you bring down all the digits and complete all the steps. Sometimes, we get impatient to finish the problem. Be sure to check to see if there are any remaining digits that you need to factor into your answer. And lastly, forgetting the remainder. Always remember to include the remainder if the division is not exact. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, but the key is to learn from them and to keep trying. Stay focused, stay organized, and always double-check your work, and you'll be well on your way to division mastery! Keep practicing, and you'll become a division superstar. Don't worry if you find it a little tricky at first. With each problem, you'll gain confidence and understanding. Math is a journey, and every step counts. Just take it one step at a time, and you'll succeed!

Practice Problems

Ready to put your skills to the test? Here are a few practice problems to sharpen your division skills. Try solving these problems using the column method: 1) 45678 ÷ 12. 2) 78900 ÷ 15. 3) 90123 ÷ 21. Remember to take your time, and show your work step-by-step. Don't forget to check your answers! These practice problems will help you solidify your understanding and build confidence. You can check your answers with a calculator to make sure you're on the right track. Remember, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Consider these as fun challenges. The more challenges you face, the more you learn. Keep up the great work! You've got this!

Conclusion: You've Got This!

Fantastic job, guys! You've just learned how to solve 68880 ÷ 21 using the column method. Remember to practice regularly, check your work, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Division might seem tricky at first, but with a little effort and the right approach, you can conquer any division problem. Keep up the amazing work, and you'll be acing those math tests in no time! You're on your way to becoming math whizzes! And remember, learning math is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process, celebrate your successes, and keep exploring the amazing world of numbers. You've got this, and I'm super proud of your hard work and dedication. Keep shining, future mathematicians! Always remember that with hard work and practice, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Keep up the fantastic effort, and I'm sure you will excel in math and beyond. Keep practicing, and keep having fun with math! You're all doing great, and I am here to support you every step of the way! You've become division experts today. Keep it up!