How to divide a two digit number by a one digit number (e.g. 42 ÷ 7).

• Place the divisor (7) before the division bracket and place the dividend (42) under it.

     
7)42

• Examine the first digit of the dividend(4). It is smaller than 7 so it can't be divided by 7 to produce a whole number. Next take the first two digits of the dividend (42) and determine how many 7's it contains. In this case 42 holds six sevens (6*7=42). Place the 6 above the division bracket.

   6 
7)42

Multiply the 6 by 7 and place the result (42) below the 42 of the dividend.

   6 
7)42
  42

Draw a line under the 42 and subtract it from 42 (42-42=0). Since the result is 0 the division is finished and 6 is the answer.