How to Multiply Two Numbers Quickly

Numbers from 11 to 19

• 1

  Begin with two numbers. This method works for multiplying two numbers that are both between 11 and 19. Choose two numbers, such as 16 and 12.

• 2

  Place the larger number first. In the example, that would be 16. Add the second digit of the second number to it, which is a 2. This equals 18.

• 3

  Multiply the number by 10. Add a zero to the number, making it 180. This is calculated by multiplying 18 by 10.

• 4

  Multiply the second digits of both numbers. Multiply 6 x 2 which is 12. Add this to the first calculated number to find the answer to 16 x 12, which is 192.

• 5

  Practice with other numbers. After you practice this trick several times, you should be able to quickly multiply two numbers between 11 and 19.

All 2-Digit Numbers

• 6

  Choose two numbers that contain two digits each. To learn this method, name the numbers AB and CD. For example, choose the numbers 73 and 29.

• 7

  Pick one of the numbers to begin with. Choose AB for this -- that is, 73 from the example.

• 8

  Multiply AB times D. Write this number down and place a zero below it in the ones place. In this example, multiply 73 times 9; which is 657. Under the seven, write in a zero.

• 9

  Multiply AB times C. Write this number down in front of the zero. Multiply 73 times 2; which is 146. Write this in in front of the zero; which makes the bottom number 1,460.

• 10

  Add the numbers. This is your answer. Add 657 plus 1,460 to get your answer of 2,117.