How do I do long division again?

  • Context: High School 
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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the challenge of recalling long division techniques, particularly among individuals who have become reliant on calculators. Participants share personal experiences with long division, emphasizing its perceived tedium and the ease of using computational tools. A link to a resource on long division is provided, highlighting the importance of foundational math skills even in advanced studies like physics. The conversation reflects a broader trend of diminishing manual calculation skills in the age of technology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
  • Familiarity with mathematical concepts such as logarithms
  • Basic knowledge of algorithmic methods in mathematics
  • Experience with calculators and computational tools
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the resource on long division at "http://www.mathsisfun.com/long_division2.html"
  • Practice long division with multi-digit numbers to reinforce skills
  • Explore logarithmic calculations and their applications in physics
  • Investigate the impact of technology on mathematical education and skills retention
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and anyone interested in improving their manual calculation skills, particularly those in mathematics or physics fields who may rely heavily on calculators.

OPTIDONN
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I forgot long division!

I just realized something very scary! I totally forgot how to do long division! I can't believe it can some one please explain!
 
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Thanks! And its not funny that I am mathematically challenged! :wink:
 
OPTIDONN said:
Thanks! And its not funny that I am mathematically challenged! :wink:

Hmm--exactly how are you "mathematically challenged" ?
 
he can't do long division
 
OPTIDONN said:
Thanks! And its not funny that I am mathematically challenged! :wink:

Laughing with, not at you. :smile:

Long division is one of those skills that we tend to lose as we get accustomed to calcs and comps. Luckily I haven't lost mine. In fact, it's one of the ways I try to get to sleep. Just the other night, I was trying to figure out \ln 10 in bed. I knew \ln 2 \approx 0.693 and \log 2 \approx 0.301. So I figured that \ln 10 = \frac{\log_2 10}{\log_2 e} = \frac{\ln 2}{\log 2} \approx \frac{693}{301} \approx 2.30, after doing the long division in my head. Then I fell asleep. :zzz:

Some people count sheep. I do this. :biggrin:
 
Last edited:
I remember long division--quite relaxing indeed (assuming the divisor was only 2 or 3 digits), because I could make up my own numbers to divide. But long division is not hard, just tedious.
 
bomba923 said:
Hmm--exactly how are you "mathematically challenged" ?
I am totally helpless without a calculator. It's something I am trying to work on that's how I found this place. :-p
 
I am a senior physics undergrad, and i have forgotten how to do long division (along with forgetting my times tables, from time to time lol.) That hasn't really hampered my mathematical enrichment, since algorithmic methods such as long division are easily performed on calculators, and I see little use in needing to remember having to do it after learning it in grade school.
 

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