To multiply two 2-digit numbers, split the second into tens and units and multiply each part. For 23 × 14: 23 × 4 = 92, and 23 × 10 = 230. Add the partial products: 92 + 230 = 322. The tens row is a multiple of ten, so it always ends in zero — never forget that shift.
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Equal groups
3 × 4 = 12
12 ÷ 3 = 4
The same picture shows multiplication and division. Each group must have the same number.
Words to know
- partial product
- the result of multiplying by one part
- place value
- the value a digit has from its position
Worked examples
23 × 14
- 1.23 × 4 = 92.
- 2.23 × 10 = 230.
- 3.92 + 230 = 322.
= 322
16 × 12
- 1.16 × 2 = 32.
- 2.16 × 10 = 160.
- 3.32 + 160 = 192.
= 192
34 × 21
- 1.34 × 1 = 34.
- 2.34 × 20 = 680.
- 3.34 + 680 = 714.
= 714
For parents
Method: Grid (area) method or the standard algorithm.
What to say: Check the second row ends in 0 — a missing 0 is the classic error.
Common mistakes:
- Forgetting the place-value shift (23 × 14 → 115).
- Multiplying only units × units and tens × tens.