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Column Multiplication

We can use the column method to multiply numbers together that are difficult to do mentally. Column multiplication is a way of writing down your working.

Column multiplication

Column multiplication

  • When doing column multiplication, we need to line the numbers up in the columns which represent their place value.
Method

Method

  • When you use column calculations, you need to always start by multiplying the smallest column.
    • This is on the right of the column addition calculation.
    • 2 x 2 = 4
  • Write the answer directly below the column as shown.
Carrying

Carrying

  • Sometimes the two digits in a column multiply to make 10 or more.
    • 5 + 2 = 10
  • So we need to carry a 1 into the column on the left by writing it below.
Method cont.

Method cont.

  • We now mutliply the number in the last column on the left:
    • 2 x 2 = 4
  • We have a 1 to carry over, so we add this to 4:
    • 4 + 1 = 5
Answer

Answer

  • The final answer is the number you are left with below the line.
Jump to other topics
1

Year 3 - Number

2

Year 3 - Measurement

3

Year 3 - Geometry

4

Year 3 - Statistics

5

Year 4 - Number

6

Year 4 - Measurement

7

Year 4 - Geometry

8

Year 4 - Statistics

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