More multiplication tables are introduced in Year 4, including the 7x and 9x tables. Knowing all multiplication tables will be invaluable when working with division in Year 4. The key being to understand the link between multiplication and division.

In Year 4 children are expected to divide using much larger numbers which will involve introducing formal written methods. Probably one of the hardest aspects of maths that children meet in primary school is the written method of division. There are two forms: short division and long division.

To be successful children do need to have some important skills at their fingertips. These are:

• a sound knowledge of times tables
• the ability to subtract at least 2-digit numbers ‘in their heads’
• the ability to estimate how many times one number will ‘go’ into another
• understand that multiplication is the inverse of division

Before even attempting the written methods of division it is important to ensure that your child has the necessary skills above. If they don’t then time would be more valuably spent brushing up on these skills. If they do, then take a look at our long and short division pages, including how to go about it and plenty of new practice pages.