Stategies for Double Digit Multiplication

Hello,
Although double digit multiplication may seem very easy to many, for young children it can be very confusing. We all learned that when you have a problem such as 42X67 that you must first multiply the 2 and the 7 to get 14, then write the four and carry the one. Next, we multiply the 4 and 7, and we get 28 then add the 1 to get 29. The next step is to multiply the 6X2 to get 12, add your zero place holder then write the 2 and carry the one. Then take 4X6 to get 24, add the one for 25. You end up with 294 +2520=2814. Simple right? Well this is very confusing (even as I was typing it). There are alot of steps to remember and many people have trouble remembering all of them.
A different way that we teach children this process is called the all partials method. Instead of memorizing the steps involved with multiplication of numbers, this method focuses on the true meaning of the numbers and often makes more sense to children (especially those who understand place value). It goes something like this:
42
x 67
14 (2X7)
280 (40X7) The 4 on 42 actually means 40.
120 (60X2) The 6 in 67 actually means 60.
+2400 (40X60) you got the picture 4 actually means 40 and 6 actually means 60.
2814

As you can see, we do not carry numbers (which can cause lots of confusion) and we multiply the true meaning of the numbers. Why should we multiply 4 x 7 when 4 is really 40 in the number 42. Althought this may be very confusing to you the first few times you try it, it does actually make more sense.
Take a minute and practice a few of these. You may end up learning something new :)

T