Multiplication using the grid method

Multiplication using the grid method

Rest assured that short and long multiplication haven't disappeared - they're still quick, reliable and useful methods for multiplying. What's new is that your child will probably learn to multiply using the 'grid method' before being introduced to short and long multiplication.

Multiplication using grids

A tricky multiplication such as 13 x 8 can always be split up to make it easier:

13 x 8 = 104

and splitting it up

13 x 8 = ( 10 x 8 ) + ( 3 x 8 ) = ( 80 ) + ( 24 ) = 104

The fancy name for "splitting it up" is "the distributive law" and it's the basis for all methods for multiplication past and present.

In a grid the same multiplication looks like this:

This video shows both the grid method and traditional short multiplication:


And here's a video showing the grid method for long multiplication.


 

The silly thing is that mathematically the grid method and traditional multiplication methods are doing exactly the same thing - it's just the distributive law.

 

I'm Ged, co-founder of 海角社区下载, ex-maths teacher and dad. If you have any questions please get in touch.

About 海角社区下载海角社区下载 is a fun and effective way to boost primary maths skills. Designed for 4 to 11-year-olds to use in the home, 海角社区下载 uses a little and often approach to learning maths (20 minutes, three to five times per week) that fits into the busy routine. 海角社区下载 helps users develop fluency and confidence in maths - without keeping them at the screen for long.

Find out more about 海角社区下载 and how it helps thousands of children each year do better at maths - you can even try 海角社区下载 for free.

And now we've got 海角社区下载 English too - check it out here.

Related Posts

8 ways to help young kids develop number sense

Number sense is the ability to understand numbers and how they relate to each other. Children with number sense can think about numbers in a flexible way and manipulate them to solve problems.

How to help kids with dyslexia learn maths

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects information processing. Because dyslexic children have difficulty processing and remembering information, it can make some elements of learning maths and working with numbers difficult too.