Multi-digit multiplication, step by step
Multi-digit multiplication takes the times-table facts a child already knows and organizes them into the standard column algorithm.
The question
158 × 33
158 33 4744740 5214
- 158 × 33, set out in columns. Split the 33 by place value and take one piece at a time.
- The 3 is in the ones, so it is just 3: 158 × 3 = 474.
- The 3 is in the tens, so it is worth 30 — not 3. That is why this row is 158 × 30 = 4740, and why it ends in 0.
- Now add the pieces: 474 + 4740 = 5214.
How it works.
- 01
158 × 33, set out in columns. Split the 33 by place value and take one piece at a time.
- 02
The 3 is in the ones, so it is just 3: 158 × 3 = 474.
- 03
The 3 is in the tens, so it is worth 30 — not 3. That is why this row is 158 × 30 = 4740, and why it ends in 0.
- 04
Now add the pieces: 474 + 4740 = 5214.