What is the bus shelter method?

Riding the Bus to Division: Understanding the Bus Stop Method

Short division, affectionately known as the “bus stop method” (or sometimes the “bus shelter method”), is a straightforward and visually intuitive technique for dividing numbers. It’s a staple in primary school education, and for good reason: its clear structure breaks down complex division problems into smaller, easily digestible steps. Think of it as hopping on a bus headed for a smoother understanding of division!

So, how does this “bus stop” work? The core concept revolves around a specific arrangement that simplifies the process:

• The Bus Stop (or Shelter): This is the symbol that gives the method its name – a curved line resembling a bus stop or shelter (often depicted as ⅃). It’s placed strategically to house the dividend.

• The Dividend (Rider): This is the number you want to divide. It sits comfortably under the bus stop, like a passenger sheltered from the elements.

• The Divisor (Conductor): This is the number you’re dividing by. It stands patiently outside the bus stop, to the left of the dividend.

• The Quotient (Destination): This is the result of the division – the answer. It’s written neatly above the bus stop, forming a line directly above the dividend.

Why This Arrangement Works

The bus stop method isn’t just about aesthetics; the arrangement contributes to its efficiency. By visually separating the divisor, dividend, and quotient, it allows you to focus on individual steps without getting overwhelmed. Here’s how it breaks down the division:

1. Divide the First Digit: Starting from the leftmost digit of the dividend, ask yourself: “How many times does the divisor go into this digit?” Write the answer above that digit in the quotient.
2. Multiply and Subtract (Mentally): Multiply the portion of the quotient you just wrote by the divisor. Mentally subtract this result from the portion of the dividend you worked with.
3. Bring Down the Next Digit: Bring down the next digit of the dividend next to the remainder (if any) from the subtraction. This creates a new number to work with.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-3 until you’ve worked through all the digits of the dividend.
5. The Remainder: If there’s a number left at the end, that’s your remainder. You can express it as a remainder (e.g., “remainder 2”) or continue the division to decimal places.

Example:

Let’s say we want to divide 784 by 7 using the bus stop method:

     112
  7 ⅃ 784

• 7 goes into 7 one time (1 x 7 = 7). Write ‘1’ above the 7.
• 7 goes into 8 one time (1 x 7 = 7). Write ‘1’ above the 8. 8 – 7 = 1. Carry the 1.
• Now we have ’14’. 7 goes into 14 two times (2 x 7 = 14). Write ‘2’ above the 4.

Therefore, 784 divided by 7 is 112.

Benefits of the Bus Stop Method:

• Visual Clarity: The structured arrangement makes it easy to follow the steps.
• Simplified Process: Breaks down large division problems into manageable chunks.
• Easy to Learn: Particularly useful for introducing children to division.
• Versatile: Can be used with various numbers and decimals.

In conclusion, the bus stop method offers a reliable and accessible approach to division. Its simple layout and step-by-step process make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to master this fundamental mathematical operation. So, next time you face a division problem, hop on the bus and enjoy the ride to a solution!

#Busmethod #Busshelter #Sheltermethod