Divide a two-digit number by a one-digit number using area models: Example question
1 November 2026
Area models are a simple way to help children see how division works. By breaking a two-digit number into smaller, manageable parts, your child can solve division questions with more confidence.
Example question
Let's divide 42 by 3 using an area model.
Step 1: Draw a rectangle to show 42. This is the total area.
Step 2: Split the rectangle into parts that are easy to divide by 3. For example, 42 = 30 + 12.
Step 3: Divide each part by 3. 30 divided by 3 is 10. 12 divided by 3 is 4.
Step 4: Add the answers. 10 + 4 = 14.
The correct answer is 14.
After working through this example, your child will recognise how to split numbers and use area models for similar division problems. This approach is ready for practice with other two-digit numbers divided by one-digit numbers.
