Skill: Solve division word problems

To solve a division word problem:

1. Find the total amount.
2. Decide what the groups mean.
3. Write a division equation.
4. Solve and interpret any remainder.
5. Check with multiplication.

Example:
There are $26$ students. Each van can carry $6$ students. How many vans are needed?

• The total is $26$ students.
• Each group has $6$ students, so we divide by $6$.
• Write the equation:

$$26 \div 6 = 4\text{ R}2$$

This means $4$ vans can carry $24$ students, with $2$ students left over.

Since the leftover students still need a van, we need one more van:

$$4+1=5$$

Answer: $5$ vans are needed.

Check:
Five vans can carry

$$5 \times 6=30\text{ students}$$

That is enough for $26$ students, so the answer is reasonable.