±«Óătv

Multiply 2-digits using the area model

How can we multiply two 2-digit numbers using an area model?

Example 1

This method uses a powerful image to help us understand what happens when we start to do multiplications involving larger numbers.It uses the fact that the area of a rectangle is equal to the length multiplied by the width.Let’s start by using this method to multiply two 2 digit number together.

Multiplication using the area model grid method showing area = length times width to calculate 16 x 14

So, we are breaking one ‘tough’ calculation, i.e. 16 x 14, into four simpler calculations that we already know how to work out.

The answers to these four simple calculations can all be combined to give the answer to one (tough) question.

16 x 14 = (10 x 10) + (10 x 6) + (4 x 10) + (4 x 6)
= 100 + 60 + 40 + 24
= 224

Back to top

Example 2

Image caption,
Step 1: Draw your grid and partition your numbers into tens and ones.

Step 1

When setting out your multiplication as an area model, draw a grid and partition each number into its tens and ones.

Image caption,
Step 1: Draw your grid and partition your numbers into tens and ones.
Image caption,
Start by multiplying the tens from each number together, and then multiply the tens from each number by the ones, so that all four sections of the grid are completed.

Step 2

Start by multiplying the tens from each number together, and then multiply the tens from each number by the ones, so that all four sections of the grid are completed.

Image caption,
Start by multiplying the tens from each number together, and then multiply the tens from each number by the ones, so that all four sections of the grid are completed.
Image caption,
Step 3: Once all four squares are completed, add them all together to get the answer.

Step 3

Add the four numbers from inside the grid together to complete your multiplication.

Image caption,
Step 3: Once all four squares are completed, add them all together to get the answer.
Back to top

Example 3

Calculate 38 x 44.

Image caption,
Step 1: Partition the numbers into the grid.
Image caption,
Step 2: Start by multiplying the tens from each number together, and then multiply the tens from each number by the ones, so that all four sections of the grid are completed.
Image caption,
Step 3: Add all the boxes together.
Remember

Remember: You could use counters or base 10 equipment to represent the numbers. Don't worry if you haven't got these at home - you could draw your own!

Back to top

Activities

Quiz 1

Back to top

Quiz 2

Back to top

NEW! Play Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica - the Halloween update. game

Experience Mathematica as you’ve never seen it before, with all-new backgrounds and costumes for Halloween. Available for a limited time only. Use your maths skills to save the day before it's too late!

NEW! Play Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica - the Halloween update
Back to top

More on Multiplying and dividing

Find out more by working through a topic