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Year 6 - Maths

Explain how to use long multiplication to multiply a 4-digit by a 2-digit number

Multiplying and dividing by 2-digit numbers

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will extend their understanding of formal calculation strategies to multiply and divide by 2-digit numbers, explaining when other strategies are more efficient.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how to use long multiplication to multiply a 4-digit by a 2-digit number.

Key Notes

  • Calculate the partial products.
  • Add the partial products to recombine.
  • Regroup when numbers bridge 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Partial product: Any of the multiplication results we get leading up to an overall multiplication result is a partial product.
  • Regroup: The process of unitising and exchanging between place values is known as regrouping.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils find it challenging to keep track of multiple regroupings in the long multiplication layout and therefore forget to add these to partial products.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Calculate the partial products. Add the partial products to recombine.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Partial product'

Any of the multiplication results we get leading up to an overall multiplication result is a partial product. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Pupils find it challenging to keep track of multiple regroupings in the long multiplication layout and therefore forget to add these to partial products. Correction: Estimation can support checking of magnitude. Discuss and agree on a position for regrouped values and continuously model noting and using these.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.