How to see it
Multiply each digit by the one on the bottom, starting from the right. If you get ten or more, write the units digit and carry the rest. Then multiply the next digit and add the carry afterwards. Always after.
A worked example
7 times 6 is 42. Write 2, carry 4. 4 times 6 is 24, plus the 4 carried, 28. Write 8, carry 2. 3 times 6 is 18, plus 2, 20. Write 20. Answer: 2,082.
The common mistake: adding the carry before multiplying
The trap is adding the carry first: 4 plus 4 is 8, times 6 is 48. It feels natural but it multiplies the carry too. That road ends at 4,282.
Try one
253 times 4.
- A1,012
- B912
- C1,112
- D1,002
Show the answerHide the answer
Right: A, 1,012
3 × 4 = 12, 5 × 4 = 20 + 1 = 21, 2 × 4 = 8 + 2 = 10.