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Multiplying Two Medium Numbers

Break one factor into tens and ones, multiply each part.

When to use

Multiplying two 2-digit numbers or a 3-digit by a 2-digit number.

Steps

  1. 1.Pick the simpler number to break apart
  2. 2.Split it into tens + ones (e.g. 34 = 30 + 4)
  3. 3.Multiply the other number by each part
  4. 4.Add the results

Example: 45 x 32

Break 32 into 30 + 2

45 x 30 = 1,350

45 x 2 = 90

1,350 + 90 = 1,440

Mental approach

45 x 32: think 45 x 30 = 1,350 then 45 x 2 = 90, total = 1,440.

Pen & paper approach

Write both partial products and add them up.

Tips

  • •Always break the smaller number — fewer digits to track
  • •For numbers near 50: 48 x 25 = 50 x 25 - 2 x 25 = 1,250 - 50 = 1,200
  • •Sanity check: 45 x 30 = 1,350, so answer should be a bit more ✓

Try it yourself

36 x 25

64 x 15

250 x 44