Multiply two 2-digit numbers using partial products or the standard algorithm!
When both factors have two digits, we break the problem into smaller parts using place value. Each digit in the bottom number multiplies every digit in the top number — giving us partial products that we add together at the end.
Standard algorithm for 34 × 27:
Split each number by place value: 36 = 30 + 6 45 = 40 + 5 30 × 40 = 1,200 30 × 5 = 150 6 × 40 = 240 6 × 5 = 30 ──────────────── Total: 1,620
Standard Algorithm
Partial Products
Both methods give the same answer. Partial products build understanding; the algorithm builds speed.
Always estimate first! 34 × 27 ≈ 30 × 30 = 900. Our answer 918 is close — great check!
What is 24 × 35?
Remember This!
Remember the zero placeholder! When multiplying by the tens digit (e.g., 2 in 27, which represents 20), write a 0 in the ones column first to shift the partial product one place left.