KS3

How to use the short multiplication method

Part ofMathsOperations - Calculations

Key points

is a method using columns to set out and calculate a multiplication.
Short multiplication is an extension of times-tables and enables a faster solution to a problem than repeated addition.
To use the short multiplication method, you need to be able to recall times-tables up to 9 x 9 and be confident in adding any carried digits in your working.
In short multiplication the answer is built up as each individual is calculated.

How to complete short multiplication

To multiply a 3-digit by a single digit number:

Set out the calculation and align the digits to the right. Write the multiplication .
Multiply each digit of the 3-digit number by the single digit.
Only a single digit can be placed in each column of the answer space.
Carry digits to the next column if necessary.

Example: calculate 213 x 3

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Use short multiplication to calculate 213 x 3
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To set out the calculation, list 213 and 3 vertically and make sure the digits are aligned to the right. Write the multiplication operator and draw the answer space.
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Each digit in 213 must be multiplied by 3. 3 x 3 (3 x 3 units), 3 x 1 (3 x 1 ten) and 3 x 2 (3 x 2 hundreds). In short multiplication the answer is built up as each individual product is calculated.
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Start with 3 x 3. 3 x 3 is 9. Write the answer aligned to the right in the answer space.
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Now work out 3 x 1 ten. 3 x 10 is 30. Write 3 in the tens column in the answer space.
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Now work out 3 x 2 hundreds. 3 x 200 is 600. Write 6 in the hundreds column in the answer space.
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The working is complete. Write the answer clearly. 213 x 3 = 639

Example: calculate 172 x 5

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Use short multiplication to calculate 172 x 5
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List 172 and 5 vertically aligned to the right. Write the multiplication operator and draw the answer space.
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Each digit in 172 must be multiplied by 5. 5 x 2 (5 x 2 units), 5 x 7 (5 x 7 tens) and 5 x 1 (5 x 1 hundred). In short multiplication the answer is built up as each individual product is calculated.
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Start with 5 x 2. 5 x 2 is 10. Write 0 aligned to the right in the answer space and carry the 1 to the tens column.
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Now work out 5 x 7 tens. 5 x 70 is 350, add the carried 1 ten to give 360. Write 6 in the tens column in the answer space and carry the 3 hundreds to the hundreds column.
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Now work out 5 x 1 hundred. 5 x 100 is 500, add the carried 3 hundreds to make 800. Write 8 in the hundreds column in the answer space.
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The working is complete. Write the answer clearly. 172 x 5 = 860

Question: calculate 5802 x 7

Use short multiplication to calculate 5802 x 7. You may want to use a pen and paper for this calculation.

Practise using short multiplication

Try this quiz to practise short multiplication. You may want to use a pen and paper to help you answer the questions in this quiz.

Real-world maths

colourful cupcakes — Image caption,
Multiplication is useful when working out quantities and supplies.

Short multiplication is an extension of times-tables and allows a faster solution to a problem than repeated addition.

A baker who bakes cupcakes daily may use short multiplication to work out the number of cupcake cases needed each working week so they can organise supplies.

colourful cupcakes — Image caption,
Multiplication is useful when working out quantities and supplies.

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