Multiplication is a skill you’ve been working on since primary school and is probably one of the most important skills you will need on your non-calculator paper. This revision sheet focuses on the Column Method – multiplication of positive numbers, including decimals. It does include some addition and subtraction too as many questions require all three of these skills.
In this series of blogs, we are going to look at three different methods for multiplication – it’s usually best to stick to the method you know but, if you are struggling, try one of the other methods.
Calculate 42.7 × 8.24
To calculate a (column method) multiplication like this, it’s easiest to start by estimating the solution. 42.7 × 8.24 is roughly the same as 40 × 8, which we know is 320, so we are expecting an answer in this region. Now we will calculate the multiplication, ignoring the decimal points.
427 × 824 = 351 848
We are expecting an answer around 320 so we place the decimal point with this in mind. So, 42.7 × 8.24 = 351.848
Tony is buying a new motorbike. He pays a deposit of £1256 and then pays the remainder of the cost in 18 payments of £237 each. Find the total cost of the motorbike.
First, we will find the total amount paid in the 18 payments. To do this, we will calculate 237 × 18. We can estimate this by finding 200 × 20 = 4000.
So, the 18 payments of £237 total £4266. We need to add this to £1256 to find the total amount spent:
So, the total amount Tony spent on the motorbike is £5522.
So, did this post reveal all you wanted to know about the Column Method of multiplication? Whether you’re still mystified or not, we have a great range of helpful blogs here! You can also subscribe to Beyond for access to thousands of secondary teaching resources. You can sign up for a free account here and take a look around at our free resources before you subscribe too.