The “Big 7” - An alternative division strategy
This strategy is nicknamed the “Big 7” because the division box looks like a 7. This strategy helps students understand long division as they utilize estimation, critical thinking skills, and the whole numbers involved in a given problem. It does not require finding the “best” multiple to be found at each step. Nor does it involve asking mathematically incorrect questions (i.e – How many times does 6 go into 8? This is an incorrect mathematical statement since the value of the number is not 8, it is 800)
Students will use numbers that make sense to them throughout the process; therefore, although the answer to the problem will be the same, the number of steps taken to solve the problem will vary based on students estimation skills and number sense.
Try this video if you still have questions. Think you have it? Try working the problems below using the Big 7.
