Common Mistakes

Learn

Even good math students make mistakes with division. Learning about common errors helps you avoid them!

Mistake 1: Forgetting to bring down digits

When doing long division, always remember to bring down the next digit after subtracting.

Mistake 2: Putting digits in the wrong place

Each digit in your answer must be directly above the digit you are working with in the dividend.

Mistake 3: Forgetting zeros in the quotient

If the divisor does not go into a number, you must write 0 in the quotient and bring down the next digit.

Mistake 4: Subtraction errors

Double-check your subtraction at each step. One small error can make your whole answer wrong.

Mistake 5: Not checking your answer

Always multiply your answer by the divisor to verify. Quotient x Divisor = Dividend (plus remainder, if any).

Examples

Can you spot what went wrong in these examples?

Practice

For each question, find the correct answer and identify what mistake might have been made. Click to reveal the answer.

Check Your Understanding

Remember these tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Always write a 0 in the quotient when the divisor does not go into a number.
• Double-check your subtraction at every step.
• Verify your answer by multiplying: Quotient x Divisor should equal the Dividend.

Next Steps

• Review any concepts that felt challenging
• Move on to the next lesson when ready
• Return to practice problems periodically for review