Kortdivisjon

Kortdivisjon is a method for performing division in elementary arithmetic. In its common form the divisor is one digit (and sometimes two), and the quotient is determined digit by digit from left to right by assessing how many times the divisor fits into the current leading portion of the dividend. The corresponding product is subtracted, and the next digit of the dividend is brought down to continue.

The procedure typically follows a consistent sequence: select the leading portion of the dividend that the divisor can divide into, determine the next quotient digit, multiply the divisor by that digit, subtract the product from the current portion, and bring down the next digit to repeat the process until all digits have been used. If a remainder remains after the last digit, it is recorded; decimals can be obtained by continuing to bring down zeros after a decimal point.

Example: dividing 437 by 6. Consider 43; 6 fits into 43 seven times (7 × 6 = 42). Subtract to get a remainder of 1; bring down the 7 to form 17. 6 fits into 17 two times (2 × 6 = 12); subtract to get remainder 5. There are no more digits, so the integer quotient is 72 with remainder 5. To obtain decimals, continue by bringing down zeros (50, etc.).

Relation to other methods: kortdivisjon is often contrasted with lang divisjon (long division), which handles larger divisors and more complex subtraction steps. It is commonly taught in primary education as a foundation for mental math and a quicker, more straightforward division approach when the divisor is small.

Educational context: the term and method are used in Norwegian-speaking regions and similar education systems. It emphasizes estimation, multiplication facts, and procedural fluency before moving to more extended division techniques.