1 Share into three groups
Share 12 counters equally between 3 people. Give each person one at a time until all the counters are shared.
Each person gets 4.Year 2
Division • Primary Maths
Year 2 Division
Use twelve counters to try sharing and grouping. Both can help you understand what 12 ÷ 3 means.
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12 ÷ 3 = 4Maths at a glance
See the Year 2 idea
Sharing12 shared by 3 = 4
Grouping12 ÷ 4 = 3
Symbol12 ÷ 3 = 4
Inverse3 × 4 = 12
Try it together
Three ways to work out 12 ÷ 3
12 ÷ 3 = ?
2 Make groups of three
Put 3 counters in each group. Keep making groups until all 12 counters are used.
There are 4 groups.3 Use multiplication
3 × 4 = 12
12 ÷ 3 = 4
12 ÷ 3 = 4
Ask, “Three times what makes twelve?” The multiplication fact gives the division answer.
12 ÷ 3 = 4Your turn
Have a go
Choose a method. Work it out on paper or with objects, then check below.
1. 10 ÷ 2
Show answer 1
5 — Share 10 into 2 equal groups: 5 in each.
2. 15 ÷ 3
Show answer 2
5 — Five groups of 3 make 15.
For teachers and parents
Ask what the answer 4 counts. In sharing, it is counters per person. In grouping, it is the number of groups.
A point to check
Equal sharing means every person gets the same number. Count each group to check.
Need an easier starting point?
Share 6 counters between 2 people. Keep giving one to each person until none remain.
Year 2 refers to the learning sequence on iLearn Maths. Year and grade labels differ around the world, so choose by the skills and examples that suit your learner.
Choose your practice
- Equal sharing: interactive lesson 47 · worksheet 47
- Equal grouping: interactive lesson 48 · worksheet 48
- The division symbol: interactive lesson 49 · worksheet 49
The examples and short practice above are free to use. Full lesson and worksheet access depends on your account or subscription.
From the Year 2 pathway
Learning focus
Lesson 47Division as equal sharing
Lesson 48Division as equal grouping
Lesson 49Understand and use the division symbol
Lesson 51Solve multiplication and division problems within 20
Key skills
What learners practise
division as equal sharingdivision as equal groupingthe division symbolsolve multiplication and division problems within 20
Ready to practise Year 2 division?
Choose a lesson from the Year 2 learning pathway.