How to calculate 140 divided by 4 using long division

Division is one of the fundamental operations in mathematics, providing a way to evenly distribute a quantity into specified groups or to determine how many times one number is contained within another. When dividing 140 divided by 4 we embark on a straightforward arithmetic journey that reveals not just the quotient but also offers insights into the process and applications of division in various contexts.

The Basic Calculation

To begin with, let’s perform the division:

140÷4=35140 \div 4 = 35140÷4=35

The calculation shows that 140 divided by 4 equals 35. This means if we have 140 items and we want to divide them into groups of 4, we will end up with 35 groups.

The Long Division Method

To gain a deeper understanding, let’s walk through the long division method:

1. Set up the division: Write 140 (the dividend) under the division bracket and 4 outside.
2. Divide the first digit: Determine how many times 4 fits into the first digit of 140. Since 4 goes into 1 zero times, we consider the first two digits, which is 14.
3. Perform the division: 4 goes into 14 three times (4 * 3 = 12).
4. Subtract: Subtract 12 from 14, giving us 2.
5. Bring down the next digit: Bring down the 0 to get 20.
6. Repeat: 4 goes into 20 five times (4 * 5 = 20).
7. Subtract: Subtract 20 from 20, giving us 0.

Thus, the quotient is 35.

Applications of Division

Understanding how to divide numbers like 140 by 4 is not just an exercise in arithmetic; it has practical applications in everyday life and various fields:

1. Budgeting: If you have $140 and need to budget it equally over 4 weeks, you would allocate $35 per week.
2. Distribution: In logistics, if a shipment of 140 units needs to be packed into boxes of 4 units each, you’ll need 35 boxes.
3. Time Management: If you have 140 minutes to complete 4 tasks, you can allocate 35 minutes per task.

Here we will show you step-by-step with detailed explanation how to calculate 140 divided by 4 using long division.

Before you continue, note that in the problem 140 divided by 4, the numbers are defined as follows:

140 = dividend
4 = divisor

Step 1:

Start by setting it up with the divisor 4 on the left side and the dividend 140 on the right side like this:

     4   ⟌140

Step 2

The divisor (4) goes into the first digit of the dividend (1), 0 time(s). Therefore, put 0 on top:

             0        
     4   ⟌   1   4   0

Step 3:

Multiply the divisor by the result in the previous step (4 x 0 = 0) and write that answer below the dividend.

             0        
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
             0        

Step 4:

Subtract the result in the previous step from the first digit of the dividend (1 – 0 = 1) and write the answer below.

             0        
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1        

Step 5:

Move down the 2nd digit of the dividend (4) like this:

             0        
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    

Step 6

The divisor (4) goes into the bottom number (14), 3 time(s). Therefore, put 3 on top:

             0   3    
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    

Step 7

Multiply the divisor by the result in the previous step (4 x 3 = 12) and write that answer at the bottom:

             0   3    
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    
             1   2    

Step 8

Subtract the result in the previous step from the number written above it. (14 – 12 = 2) and write the answer at the bottom.

             0   3    
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    
         -   1   2    
                 2    

Step 9

Move down the last digit of the dividend (0) like this:

             0   3    
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    
         -   1   2    
                 2   0

Step 10

The divisor (4) goes into the bottom number (20), 5 time(s). Therefore put 5 on top:

             0   3   5
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    
         -   1   2    
                 2   0

Step 11

Multiply the divisor by the result in the previous step (4 x 5 = 20) and write the answer at the bottom:

             0   3   5
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    
         -   1   2    
                 2   0
                 2   0

Step 12

Subtract the result in the previous step from the number written above it. (20 – 20 = 0) and write the answer at the bottom.

             0   3   5
     4   ⟌   1   4   0
         -   0        
             1   4    
         -   1   2    
                 2   0
         -       2   0
                     0

You are done, because there are no more digits to move down from the dividend.

Real-World Examples and Problem Solving

Let’s explore a few real-world scenarios to illustrate the practical importance of division:

1. Education: Teachers often use division to split students into groups. If there are 140 students and 4 groups, each group will have 35 students.
2. Cooking: Recipes may need adjustment based on the number of servings. If a recipe for 140 cookies needs to be scaled down to 4 batches, each batch will consist of 35 cookies.
3. Sports: In organizing tournaments, if 140 players need to be divided into 4 teams, each team will have 35 players.

Division and Fractions

Division also lays the foundation for understanding fractions. Dividing 140 by 4 can be interpreted as finding the fraction 1404\frac{140}{4}4140​, which simplifies to 35. This fractional understanding is crucial in advanced mathematics and various applications like probability and statistics.

Conclusion

The division of 140 by 4, while straightforward, serves as a fundamental example of the division operation’s utility. It not only simplifies our daily tasks but also forms the basis for more complex mathematical concepts. From budgeting to logistics, and education to sports, division is an essential tool that helps us manage, distribute, and understand quantities effectively. Understanding and mastering such basic arithmetic operations empower us to solve real-world problems with confidence and precision.