2-Digit x 1-Digit — Multiply & Divide Pathway

Multiplying a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number

  • Break the 2-digit number into tens and ones.
  • Multiply each part separately, then add.
  • Example: 23 x 4 means (20 x 4) + (3 x 4).
  • This is called partitioning.

Example: 36 x 3

  1. Step 1: Split 36 into 30 and 6.
  2. Step 2: 30 x 3 = 90.
  3. Step 3: 6 x 3 = 18.
  4. Step 4: Add: 90 + 18 = 108. Answer: 108.

Your turn

  • Try: 24 x 5.
  • Split: 20 and 4.
  • 20 x 5 = 100. And 4 x 5 = 20.
  • Add: 100 + 20 = 120.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to add the two parts together after multiplying. You must add the tens result and the ones result.
  • Multiplying the wrong digit. Always split into tens and ones first, then multiply each by the single digit.

Real-Life Example

A school orders 23 packs of pens with 4 pens in each pack. 23 x 4: (20 x 4) + (3 x 4) = 80 + 12 = 92 pens.

Extra Support Hints

  • Split the 2-digit number into tens and ones before you start.
  • Check your answer by rounding: 23 is about 20, and 20 x 4 = 80, so your answer should be a bit more than 80.
Start the interactive 2-Digit x 1-Digit lesson →