Two-Digit Multiplication
💡 How to solve ▾
Keep the first number whole and split the second into its tens and ones. Multiply the whole number by each part, then add the two results.
A worked example
34 × 26: split 26 into 20 + 6. Then 34 × 20 = 680 and 34 × 6 = 204. Add them for 884.
Questions people ask
Which number should I split? ▾
Split the one that breaks into friendlier pieces. Usually you keep the larger or rounder number whole and break the other into tens and ones.
Is the grid or "FOIL" method faster? ▾
For mental work, splitting only the second number means you track two products instead of four, so it is usually quicker than a full grid.