Division of Numbers — Grade 2 Mathematics
In Grade 2, we unlock a powerful shortcut for division: times tables. Instead of counting out objects every time, we use multiplication facts in reverse. We also meet remainders — what happens when a number cannot be divided into perfectly equal groups.
Division and Times Tables
Every division fact is the reverse of a multiplication fact.
If you know 7 × 8 = 56, then you also know:
56 ÷ 8 = 7 and 56 ÷ 7 = 8
This is called the inverse relationship between multiplication and division. Learning your times tables gives you three facts for the price of one!
If you know 7 × 8 = 56, then you also know:
56 ÷ 8 = 7 and 56 ÷ 7 = 8
This is called the inverse relationship between multiplication and division. Learning your times tables gives you three facts for the price of one!
Remainder — when a number cannot be split into perfectly equal groups, there is something left over.
13 ÷ 4 = 3 remainder 1
(4 groups of 3 = 12; one left over)
13 ÷ 4 = 3 remainder 1
(4 groups of 3 = 12; one left over)
💡 Tip: To check division with a remainder: (quotient × divisor) + remainder = dividend.
Check: (3 × 4) + 1 = 13 ✅
Check: (3 × 4) + 1 = 13 ✅
Worked Examples
Example 1 — Using Times Tables
Work out 48 ÷ 6.
- Ask: "What number × 6 = 48?"
- From the 6× table: 6 × 8 = 48
- So 48 ÷ 6 = 8
48 ÷ 6 = 8
Example 2 — Array Visual
Show 20 ÷ 4 using an array of dots (4 equal rows).
4 rows of 5 dots = 20 dots. 20 ÷ 4 = 5
Example 3 — Real World: Sharing with a Remainder
35 stickers 🌟 are shared equally among 7 children. How many does each child get?
35 ÷ 7 = 5 (because 7 × 5 = 35)
Now try: 37 stickers among 7 children → 37 ÷ 7 = 5 remainder 2. Each gets 5; 2 stickers are left over.
Practice Questions
Try these! Work out the answers first, then check.
1. 72 ÷ 9 = ?
✅ 72 ÷ 9 = 8 (9 × 8 = 72)
2. 56 ÷ 7 = ?
✅ 56 ÷ 7 = 8
3. 45 stickers are shared equally among 6 children. How many does each get? Is there a remainder?
✅ 45 ÷ 6 = 7 remainder 3. Each child gets 7 stickers; 3 are left over.
4. 84 ÷ 7 = ?
✅ 84 ÷ 7 = 12
5. Check using multiplication: Is 63 ÷ 9 = 7?
✅ 7 × 9 = 63 ✔ Yes, 63 ÷ 9 = 7 is correct.
Key Points to Remember
- Division is the inverse of multiplication — use times tables to divide.
- If a ÷ b = c, then c × b = a. Always check using multiplication.
- A remainder is what is left over when division is not exact.
- Check with remainder: (quotient × divisor) + remainder = dividend.
- Division is not commutative: 48 ÷ 6 ≠ 6 ÷ 48.