Solving multiplication problems

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.

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.
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 caption, Place value counters

Image caption, Array

Image caption, Part-whole model

Image caption, Written method
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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.
Example 1

What is the answer to 32 × 6?
✓192
Partition 32 into 30 and 2.
Multiply each part by 6.
30 × 6 = 180
2 × 6 = 12
Add the two answers together.
180 + 12 = 192

Example 2

What is the answer to 24 × 5?
✓120
To solve this in your head, first multiply 24 by 10. You can visualise this with place value counters.
24 × 10 = 240
This is twice as much as you need, as the question is only asking for 5 times 24.
Halve 240 to get the answer.
The answer is 120.

Example 3

Pencils are sold in packs of 24. Jamie has 8 packets of pencils. How many pencils does Jamie have altogether?
✓192
Jamie needs to multiply 24 by 8.
One of the written methods will help you to solve this problem.
First multiply 4 by 8, which is 32. Write 32 on the first row below the line.
Now move to the tens column. Multiply 20 by 8 which is 160. Write this on the second row beneath the line.
Then add both answers together to get your final answer.

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More on Multiplying and dividing
Find out more by working through a topic
- count19 of 32

- count20 of 32

- count21 of 32

- count22 of 32
