Go Math! Grade 5, Chapter 2: Divide Whole Numbers
In this unit, your child focuses on division, including dividing by two-digit numbers. They estimate with compatible numbers, use partial quotients and the written method, and decide what to do with a remainder in a word problem: drop it, round up, or write it as a fraction. It builds on the multiplication from the opening unit and leads into adding and subtracting decimals.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 2?
- Dividing by two-digit divisors with compatible numbers, partial quotients, and the written method, and interpreting remainders in word problems. Learn more: Dividing by two-digit numbers, like 480 ÷ 16
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Which equation can you use to find 1,350 ÷ 45?
- 45 × ? = 1,350
- 1,350 × 45 = ?
- 45 ÷ 1,350 = ?
How you can help
- Ask how many cartons are needed to pack 250 eggs, 12 to a carton. Let your child find 20 with 10 left over, and decide why the answer is 21 cartons.
- Estimate a quotient on a walk or ride: about how many weeks are in 365 days? Is it nearer 50 or 60? Then check at home, 52 weeks with 1 day left.
- Share a bag of 156 craft sticks among 12 kids at a party. Ask your child to divide, 13 each, then check by multiplying 13 × 12.
Where kids can get stuck
- Dropping a remainder that matters, so 250 eggs packed 12 to a carton gets 20 cartons instead of 21.
- Choosing compatible numbers that are not close, so 1,520 ÷ 38 is estimated as 1,500 ÷ 50 and lands at 30 instead of near 40.
- Forgetting to bring down the next digit, so a quotient like 52 comes out as 5 with a large remainder.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- dividend
- The amount you start with and split up in a division problem.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 4 in 32 ÷ 4.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem, like 8 in 32 ÷ 4 = 8.
- remainder
- What is left after making as many equal groups as possible.
- compatible numbers
- Nearby numbers that are easy to divide in your head, like 1,500 ÷ 30.
- partial quotient
- Part of a quotient found in one step of division, added up for the whole answer.
- estimate
- To find an answer that is about right by rounding to friendly numbers first.
- interpret
- To explain what a number, expression, or answer means.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with dividing by two-digit numbers?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 2 cover?
Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 2 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.NBT.B.6: Divide by a two-digit number, like 480 ÷ 16.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.