5th Grade · Number & Operations in Base Ten
5.NBT.B.6: Divide by a two-digit number, like 480 ÷ 16
5.NBT.B.6 is a 5th grade Common Core math standard in Number & Operations in Base Ten. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
In plain words
Divide by a two-digit number, like 480 ÷ 16.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Which equation can you use to find 1,350 ÷ 45?
- 45 × ? = 1,350
- 1,350 × 45 = ?
- 45 ÷ 1,350 = ?
Where students can get stuck
- Picking a first chunk that is too big, like 12 × 40 = 480 for 384 ÷ 12, then getting stuck.
- Losing track of the partial answers, so for 384 ÷ 12 they find 30 and 2 but write 302.
- Mishandling the remainder, writing 500 ÷ 16 as 314 instead of 31 with 4 left over.
Effective teaching strategies
- List easy multiples of 16 with students, such as 16, 32, 160, and 320, and have them pick the largest multiple that fits into the dividend.
- Model 384 ÷ 12 with partial quotients, stacking 30 and 2 in a column and adding them to get 32, so the parts are never written side by side.
- Have students check 500 ÷ 16 = 31 remainder 4 by multiplying 31 by 16 and adding the remainder to see that it returns 500.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 5.NBT.B.6 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Eureka Math²
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Dividing by two-digit numbers, like 480 ÷ 16 for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice place value at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.