Multiply a 2-digit by a 1-digit number

Part ofMathsMultiplying and dividingYear 4

Solving multiplication problems

Jamie looking thoughtfully at a whiteboard with the sum 6 × 14.

It's possible to solve some multiplication problems in your head.

But sometimes it can help to use other methods instead.

These include using visual aids, such as an array or place counters, or by using written methods.

Jamie looking thoughtfully at a whiteboard with the sum 6 × 14.
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Activity: Multiplying 2-digits by 1-digit

Complete this interactive activity to better understand how to multiply a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number. Then put your knowledge to the test.

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Multiplication methods

There are different ways to approach a 2-digit by a 1-digit multiplication problem.

Look at this multiplication problem.

16 × 4 = ?

Here are some different ways you might solve it.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide1 of 4, 4 tens place value counters and 24 ones counters. In total 64, Place value counters

Working things out in your head can be helped by partitioning tricky numbers.

Using visual aids such as an array or place value counters can make it easier to solve.

Using the written method is quick and provides the skills to tackle longer multiplication.

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Example 1

Jamie looking thoughtfully at the sum 32 × 6.

What is the answer to 32 × 6?

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Example 2

24 × 5. A robin sits on top of the 5.

What is the answer to 24 × 5?

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Example 3

Jamie holding a big box of pencils.

Pencils are sold in packs of 24. Jamie has 8 packets of pencils. How many pencils does Jamie have altogether?

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Play our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica. game

Use your times tables and more maths skills to defeat monsters and reclaim the Kingdom of Mathematica

Play our fun maths game Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica
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More on Multiplying and dividing

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