186 divided by 3

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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27-02-2025

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Understanding Long Division

Long division is a method used to divide larger numbers into smaller, more manageable parts. It's a fundamental skill in arithmetic, useful in many areas from everyday budgeting to advanced mathematics. This article will guide you through the process of dividing 186 by 3 using long division.

Setting up the Problem:

First, we set up the problem correctly. We write the dividend (the number being divided, 186) inside a long division symbol, and the divisor (the number we're dividing by, 3) outside.

     ______
3 | 186

Step 1: Dividing the Hundreds Digit

We begin by dividing the hundreds digit of the dividend (1) by the divisor (3). Since 1 is smaller than 3, it doesn't go into 3 evenly. We move to the tens digit.

Step 2: Dividing the Tens Digit

Now we consider the first two digits of the dividend: 18. How many times does 3 go into 18? The answer is 6 (because 3 x 6 = 18). We write the 6 above the 8 in the dividend.

      6
     ______
3 | 186

Step 3: Multiply and Subtract

Next, we multiply the quotient (6) by the divisor (3): 6 x 3 = 18. We write this 18 below the 18 in the dividend and subtract: 18 - 18 = 0.

      6
     ______
3 | 186
   -18
     0

Step 4: Bring Down the Ones Digit

We bring down the next digit (the ones digit, 6) from the dividend.

      6
     ______
3 | 186
   -18
     06

Step 5: Dividing the Ones Digit

How many times does 3 go into 6? The answer is 2 (because 3 x 2 = 6). We write the 2 above the 6 in the dividend.

      62
     ______
3 | 186
   -18
     06

Step 6: Multiply and Subtract (Again)

Multiply the quotient (2) by the divisor (3): 2 x 3 = 6. Subtract this from the remaining 6: 6 - 6 = 0.

      62
     ______
3 | 186
   -18
     06
    -06
     00

The Final Answer

We have no remainder, indicating that 186 is perfectly divisible by 3. The answer is 62.

Therefore, 186 divided by 3 equals 62.

Practical Applications

Understanding long division, and this example of 186 divided by 3, is crucial for various everyday tasks. For example:

• Sharing Equally: Imagine sharing 186 candies among 3 friends. Each friend would receive 62 candies.
• Calculating Unit Price: If 3 items cost $186, the price of one item is $62.
• Baking: If a recipe calls for dividing 186 grams of flour into 3 equal parts, each part would be 62 grams.

Mastering long division, as shown through the process of solving 186 divided by 3, provides a valuable foundation for more complex mathematical operations.