Multiplication is one of the four basic operations of elementary arithmetic and is commonly defined as repeated addition. However, while this definition applies to whole number multiplication, some math researchers argue that it falls short for multiplication of fractions and other kinds of numbers. These mathematicians prefer to define multiplication as the scaling of one number by another, or as the process by which the product of two numbers is computed (Princeton University Wordnet, 2010). Despite the controversy, multiplication, by any definition, is an essential skill to students preparing for life in the mathematical world of the 21st century. It is an important tool in solving real-life problems and builds a firm foundation for proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, and higher-level math.
The standard algorithm for teaching the multiplication of larger numbers is known as long multiplication. In long multiplication, one multiplies the multiplicand by each digit of the multiplier and then adds up all the appropriately shifted results. This method requires memorization of the basic multiplication facts. However, a wide variety of efficient, alternative algorithms exist. Many students find these methods appealing and easier to navigate, even to the point of preferring them to the more traditional algorithm.
- Finger Multiplication
- Area Model of Multiplication
- Lattice Multiplication
- Line Multiplication
- Circle/Radius Multiplication
- Paper Strip Multiplication
- Egyptian Multiplication
- Russian Peasant Multiplication
- Vedic Approach of Multiplication
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