Multiplying by a One-Digit Number: Practice at Home, Grade 4

In Grade 4, children multiply a two-digit number by a one-digit number and show why it works. The area model is the easiest way to see it.

What your child is working on

For 6 × 34, split 34 into 30 and 4. Then 6 × 30 = 180 and 6 × 4 = 24, and 180 + 24 = 204. This is the same math as the standard written method, but you can see every piece.

Try it at home

Draw a rectangle on paper, 34 wide and 6 tall, and split it into one box for 30 and a smaller box for 4. Write each product in its box and add them. Do three problems this way before you show the stacked method.

Then ask: “Where is the carry in the stacked method?” Your child can find that it is the 24 in the area model, with the 20 moved over to the tens.

Where children slip

The most common slip is forgetting to add the carried tens after multiplying the tens digit. Checking with an estimate (6 × 30 is about 180) catches that.

Practice online

Use the free Multiply two digits by one digit page for short practice sets. Related skills are on the Grade 4 skills list.