If you grew up memorizing multiplication tables, you know the
struggle of elementary mathematics students. Math isn’t meant to be
about memorizing, it is supposed to be about problem-solving.
One Japanese method of multiplication teaches kids to both visualize
how numbers multiply together and provides a quick and easy method to
solve large multiplication problems. The best part? This technique
involves absolutely no numbers in the solving stage, so no more
forgetting to carry the one and getting the answer wrong. Check out the
short video below to learn a little more.
Most commonly, this method is believed to have originated in Japan,
but it is an underutilized tool in the realm of teaching kids
mathematics. By drawing parallel lines for each number slot in one
number then drawing perpendicular lines that are parallel to each other
in another direction you end up with a series of intersection points. By
separating these intersections into sections, just count the points and
you have your final answer. For problems that involve multiplication of
numbers involving tens and hundreds places, this method proves faster
than doing it the old fashioned way.
Not only is this a cool trick, but it actually visualizes what is
happening when you multiply 2 numbers together. Each place (ones, tens,
hundreds) is symbolized by an intersection location created by the
actual numbers in the problem. To explain further, for the problem of
123×321, the 1 line crosses the 3 lines creating a total of 3 intersections
in the thousands place. This means that the first number is 3, and you
know the answer will be to the magnitude of thousands by the number of
intersection locations. Still not getting it? Check out the explanatory
video below for further help.