Long division is a method for dividing large numbers by breaking the problem into smaller, manageable steps. It's the foundation for understanding division and essential for working with fractions, decimals, and algebraic expressions.

Key Terms

The dividend is the number being divided (inside the division bracket), the divisor is the number you're dividing by (outside the bracket), and the quotient is the answer (written on top). Understanding these terms helps you follow the long division process.

       13
    ------
12 | 156
     12↓    (1 × 12 = 12)
     ---
      36    (15 - 12 = 3, bring down 6)
      36    (3 × 12 = 36)
      ---
       0    (36 - 36 = 0)

Answer: 13 with remainder 0

In this example, 12 goes into 15 once, giving us 12. Subtracting leaves 3, and bringing down 6 gives us 36. 12 goes into 36 exactly 3 times, so our answer is 13.