How to compute 42 divided by 20?

Division is a mathematical operation that consists of determining how many times a number (the divisor, 42) is contained in another number (the dividend, 20). The result of this operation is called the quotient.

Asking for the quotient of 42 and 20 is the same of getting the result of 42 divided by 20, which can be displayed in several ways:

Floating point number 2.1
Rational number 21/10
Mixed number 2 1/10
Euclidean division 2 remainder 2
Integer quotient 2

42 divided by 20, step by step

Step 1

Set up the division: position the divisor (20) on the left and the dividend (42) on the right.

2 0 ) 4 2

Step 2

Determine how many times 20 can be multiplied without exceeding the dividend (4). The answer is 0. Place this digit on top.

0
2 0 ) 4 2

Step 3

Multiply the divisor by the previous result (20 × 0 = 0). Write the new result below the dividend.

0
2 0 ) 4 2
0

Step 4

Subtract this result from the number above it (4 - 0 = 4). Write the difference below.

0
2 0 ) 4 2
- 0
4

Step 5

Bring down the next digit of the dividend (2) down.

0
2 0 ) 4 2
- 0
4 2

Step 6

Determine how many times 20 can be multiplied without exceeding the dividend (42). The answer is 2. Place this digit on top.

0 2
2 0 ) 4 2
- 0
4 2

Step 7

Multiply the divisor by the previous result (20 × 2 = 40). Write the new result below the dividend.

0 2
2 0 ) 4 2
- 0
4 2
4 0

Step 8

Subtract this result from the number above it (42 - 40 = 2). Write the difference below.

0 2
2 0 ) 4 2
- 0
4 2
- 4 0
2

There are no more digits left to go down from the dividend, indicating that the long division is complete. The quotient is the number at the very top, and any remainder is found at the bottom.

Thus, for 42 divided by 20, the solution is: 2 remainder 2.