How to multiply fast tricks

Step 1

Break down the numbers in your multiplication problem into smaller parts.

How to multiply big numbers fast in your head

How to multiply 2 digit numbers in your head

Mental multiplication

How to multiply 3-digit numbers

Mental math multiplication practice

For example if you are multiplying 320x23, look at the numbers as added-together parts: 300+20 and 20+3.

Step 2

Multiply one of the numbers in its entirety with the first part of the other broken down number. For example 320x20.

If this is too much for you, then break down the numbers even further: 32 and 0, and 2 and 0. Multiply 32x2 which is 64. Add on the two additional zeros, and you get 6400 which is the product of 320x20.

Step 3

Keep the number 6400 in your memory.

Mental math strategies for multiplication 4th grade

Remembering the numbers along the way may be the most difficult part of doing multiplication in your head without any tangible way to keep track of the numbers, but as you practice you will be surprised to find how much your memory can actually hold.

Step 4

Multiply the same first number with the second part of the second number.

For example, multiply 320x3. If, again, it is easier for you to break this down even more, than multiply 32x3 and save that zero to add on to the end result.

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