11+ Maths: Long Multiplication and Division
21 October 2026
Building confidence in long multiplication and division
Long multiplication and division are core skills for the 11+ maths exam. These methods appear in many questions, often hidden inside word problems or multi-step calculations. Regular practice helps your child work accurately, even under time pressure.
Why practise these methods
The 11+ rarely asks for a simple calculation. Instead, children are expected to use long multiplication or division as part of a bigger problem, such as working out costs, areas, or sharing quantities. Knowing the steps means fewer mistakes and more confidence.
Worked example: 23 × 47
Write 23 above 47, with the 47 underneath and right-aligned.
Start with the units: 7 × 3 = 21. Write 1 in the units place, carry over 2.
7 × 2 = 14. Add the 2 carried over to get 16. Write 16 to the left of the 1. This gives 161 as the first partial answer.
Now move to the tens digit: 4 (from 47) × 3 = 12. Write 2 under the tens column, carry over 1.
4 × 2 = 8. Add the 1 carried over to get 9. Write 9 to the left of the 2. This gives 92.
Since this is the tens column, write 0 in the units place, making it 920.
Add the two results: 161 + 920 = 1081.
The answer to 23 × 47 is 1081.
Supporting your child at home
Encourage your child to show every step of their calculation. This makes it easier to spot mistakes and understand where they went wrong. Practising both long multiplication and division helps children tackle a wide range of 11+ questions with greater confidence.
Key insight: Step-by-step practice builds confidence for complex calculations and helps prevent small mistakes in the 11+ exam.
