Year 5 Maths: Ladder Division

What is Ladder Division?

Ladder division is a method to help you divide larger numbers. It’s a step-by-step approach that makes it easier to find the answer. Think of it like climbing a ladder, where each step gets you closer to the top – or in this case, the answer!

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Draw Your Ladder

First, draw a ladder shape. This will help you keep your work organised.

1. Write the number you want to divide (the dividend) inside the “ladder”.
2. Write the number you are dividing by (the divisor) to the left.

For example, if you want to divide 432 by 3, it looks like this:

      _______ 3  |  432 

Step 2: Divide the First Digit

Look at the first digit of the dividend. How many times does the divisor go into it?

• If it goes in, write down how many times (the quotient) above the ladder.
• If it doesn’t, look at the first two digits.

For 432 divided by 3, start with the first digit, 4.

• 3 goes into 4 1 time. Write 1 above the ladder.

      1      _______ 3  |  432 

Step 3: Multiply and Subtract

Next, multiply the divisor by the number you wrote above the ladder.

• Write the result below the dividend and subtract it.

So, 3 x 1 = 3. Write 3 below the 4 and subtract:

      1      _______ 3  |  432      -3      ----       1 

Step 4: Bring Down the Next Digit

Now, bring down the next digit from the dividend. In this case, bring down the 3:

      1      _______ 3  |  432      -3      ----       13 

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Repeat steps 2 to 4 with the new number (13).

• How many times does 3 go into 13? It goes in 4 times. Write 4 above the ladder.

Multiply: 3 x 4 = 12. Subtract: 13 – 12 = 1. Bring down the next digit (2):

      14      _______ 3  |  432      -3      ----       13      -12      ----        1 2 

Step 6: Finish Up

Now, repeat the process one last time with 12.

• 3 goes into 12 4 times again. Write 4 above the ladder.

Multiply: 3 x 4 = 12, subtract 12 from 12 = 0.

      144      _______ 3  |  432      -3      ----       13      -12      ----        12      -12      ----         0 

Final Answer

The answer to 432 divided by 3 is 144!

Key Rules

1. Organise Your Work: Always write the dividend and divisor clearly.
2. Step-by-Step: Take it one step at a time. Divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down.
3. Check Your Work: If you’re unsure, you can always multiply your answer by the divisor to check.

Tips and Tricks

• Practice with smaller numbers first to build confidence.
• Use a pencil so you can easily correct mistakes.
• Make sure you understand each step before moving on to the next.

Questions

Easy Level (20 Questions)

1. 64 ÷ 4
2. 81 ÷ 9
3. 56 ÷ 7
4. 72 ÷ 8
5. 90 ÷ 10
6. 45 ÷ 5
7. 35 ÷ 5
8. 48 ÷ 6
9. 18 ÷ 2
10. 27 ÷ 3
11. 60 ÷ 5
12. 32 ÷ 4
13. 24 ÷ 3
14. 50 ÷ 10
15. 28 ÷ 4
16. 14 ÷ 2
17. 36 ÷ 6
18. 20 ÷ 5
19. 56 ÷ 7
20. 12 ÷ 3

Medium Level (20 Questions)

1. 144 ÷ 12
2. 225 ÷ 15
3. 196 ÷ 14
4. 320 ÷ 8
5. 156 ÷ 12
6. 84 ÷ 7
7. 108 ÷ 9
8. 252 ÷ 21
9. 360 ÷ 15
10. 490 ÷ 7
11. 288 ÷ 12
12. 378 ÷ 18
13. 462 ÷ 6
14. 540 ÷ 9
15. 630 ÷ 18
16. 450 ÷ 10
17. 200 ÷ 8
18. 75 ÷ 5
19. 121 ÷ 11
20. 144 ÷ 16

Hard Level (20 Questions)

1. 672 ÷ 16
2. 825 ÷ 25
3. 987 ÷ 9
4. 512 ÷ 8
5. 1024 ÷ 32
6. 1440 ÷ 12
7. 1296 ÷ 18
8. 2000 ÷ 25
9. 1620 ÷ 30
10. 2520 ÷ 42
11. 3780 ÷ 45
12. 5670 ÷ 63
13. 6480 ÷ 80
14. 8192 ÷ 32
15. 9600 ÷ 40
16. 10800 ÷ 90
17. 12100 ÷ 121
18. 13500 ÷ 75
19. 15000 ÷ 100
20. 18000 ÷ 150

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. 16
2. 9
3. 8
4. 9
5. 9
6. 9
7. 7
8. 8
9. 9
10. 9
11. 12
12. 8
13. 8
14. 5
15. 7
16. 7
17. 6
18. 4
19. 8
20. 4

Medium Level Answers

1. 12
2. 15
3. 14
4. 40
5. 13
6. 12
7. 12
8. 12
9. 24
10. 70
11. 24
12. 21
13. 77
14. 60
15. 75
16. 25
17. 25
18. 15
19. 11
20. 9

Hard Level Answers

1. 42
2. 33
3. 109
4. 64
5. 32
6. 120
7. 72
8. 80
9. 54
10. 60
11. 84
12. 90
13. 81
14. 256
15. 270
16. 120
17. 100
18. 180
19. 150
20. 120

Hopefully, this guide helps you understand ladder division better! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a ladder division expert!