Year 5 Maths Lesson Plan: Long Multiplication and Division
Free Year 5 maths lesson plan introducing long multiplication of 4-digit by 1-digit numbers and short division. Modelling, practice, and reasoning included.
Learning objective
I can multiply a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number using the formal written method (long multiplication) and divide using short division.
Key vocabulary
- long multiplication
- short division
- remainder
- estimate
- place holder
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 5 Mathematics — Multiplication and division
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Estimation challenge: 3,287 × 4 — pupils round each number and estimate the answer (3,000 × 4 = 12,000). Reveal target — by the end of the lesson, all pupils should solve this exactly using long multiplication.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Model 3,287 × 4 in columns step by step, including each exchange. Pupils complete a worked example with the teacher, then practise five 4-digit × 1-digit calculations. Move to short division: 4,872 ÷ 4 using the bus-stop method. Discuss what happens with a remainder using 4,873 ÷ 4. Final task: word problem — 'A school has 1,248 pupils, evenly split between four year groups. How many in each? They each receive a pack of 6 books — how many books in total?'
Differentiation
Support
Use the grid method as a stepping stone before progressing to long multiplication. Limit to 3-digit by 1-digit calculations initially.
Core
Use long multiplication for 4-digit by 1-digit calculations and short division for 4-digit by 1-digit divisions, including those with remainders.
Stretch
Multiply 4-digit by 2-digit using long multiplication and solve multi-step problems combining multiplication and division.
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Show one correctly worked long multiplication and one with a deliberate error in the carrying. Pupils identify the error and explain why it changes the answer.
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often forget to use a place holder (zero) when moving to the second row in long multiplication. Reinforce by colour-coding rows or using a place-value grid.
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Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 5 maths lesson?
I can multiply a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number using the formal written method (long multiplication) and divide using short division.
How long does this long multiplication and division lesson take?
60 minutes, structured into a starter, main activity, and plenary. Differentiation guidance is included for support, core, and stretch learners.
Is this lesson plan free to download?
Yes. The full plan is free to read and adapt. You can also generate an editable, fully resourced version in TAyumira's free lesson planner — no credit card required.
Does this lesson cover the UK National Curriculum?
Yes. This plan aligns with National Curriculum 2014: Year 5 Mathematics — Multiplication and division.
Can I edit this lesson plan for my class?
Yes. Use this as a template and adapt to your class context. To save typing time, generate a customised version in TAyumira's free planner — your class size, ability range, and lesson length are factored in automatically.