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How to Multiply Two Digit Numbers Using the Place Value Method

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Step-by-Step Guide: Multiplying 2-Digit Numbers with Place Value and Area Models

Learning the Multiplication Of Two Digit Numbers Using Place Values Properties is a crucial arithmetic skill for students in primary and middle school. Mastering this topic makes it easier to solve longer calculations, understand number operations, and prepare for school exams and competitive tests. Using place value methods boosts calculation accuracy and builds a solid foundation for advanced mathematics.


Understanding the Place Value Method for Multiplication

The place value property method breaks each two-digit number into tens and ones, then multiplies each part separately before adding the results. This approach is sometimes called multiplication using expanded form, decomposition multiplication, or partial products. It helps students visualize how multiplication works and strengthens their understanding of numbers’ positions (tens, ones) within a number.


For example, if we want to multiply 34 and 56:


  • 34 = 30 + 4
  • 56 = 50 + 6

So, 34 × 56 = (30 + 4) × (50 + 6)


Step-by-Step Multiplication Process Using Place Value (with Example)

Here’s a clear, stepwise approach to multiplying two-digit numbers using place values:


  1. Break both numbers into tens and ones (expanded form).
  2. Multiply every part of the first number by every part of the second number.
  3. Add all the partial products to get the final answer.

Let’s see this with the example: 34 × 56


50 (Tens) 6 (Ones)
30 (Tens) 30 × 50 = 1500 30 × 6 = 180
4 (Ones) 4 × 50 = 200 4 × 6 = 24

Now, add all partial products: 1500 + 180 + 200 + 24 = 1904


Visualizing with the Area (Box) Model

The area or box model is a visual way to apply the place value property in multiplication. It organizes the calculation into a grid, showing each partial product as part of a rectangle. This ties in with the distributive property in multiplication.


50 6
30 1500 180
4 200 24

Add all: 1500 + 180 + 200 + 24 = 1904

This model is especially helpful for visual learners and makes the calculation process transparent.


Worked Examples

Example 1

Multiply 23 × 47 using place value properties.


  1. Expand: 23 = 20 + 3; 47 = 40 + 7
  2. Multiply:
    • 20 × 40 = 800
    • 20 × 7 = 140
    • 3 × 40 = 120
    • 3 × 7 = 21
  3. Add: 800 + 140 + 120 + 21 = 1081

Example 2

Multiply 62 × 38 using the area model.


  1. Expand: 62 = 60 + 2; 38 = 30 + 8
  2. Fill the area model:
    • 60 × 30 = 1800
    • 60 × 8 = 480
    • 2 × 30 = 60
    • 2 × 8 = 16
  3. Add: 1800 + 480 + 60 + 16 = 2356

Practice Problems

  • Multiply 41 × 27 using the place value method.
  • Solve 58 × 34 using the area model.
  • Multiply 72 × 15 by breaking numbers into tens and ones.
  • Set up an area model for 29 × 53 and calculate the answer.
  • Write the expanded form and partial products for 36 × 44.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to multiply both the tens and ones for each part (missing a box in the area/grid model).
  • Confusing multiplication and addition steps—always multiply before adding.
  • Misaligning partial products when adding them together.
  • Not properly expanding two-digit numbers (e.g., writing 34 as 3 + 4 instead of 30 + 4).

Real-World Applications

Understanding multiplication with place value properties is essential in daily life—such as calculating costs, planning purchases, or working with measurements. It also builds a foundation for algebra and helps decode complex math problems involving large numbers. At Vedantu, we teach visual and place value methods to ensure students truly understand multiplication, not just memorize algorithms.


In this page, we explored how to multiply two-digit numbers using place values, area models, and the partial products method. By breaking numbers into tens and ones and multiplying every part, you improve accuracy and gain deeper mathematical insight. Practice these techniques for a confident, exam-ready calculation approach. Explore more about place value, multiplication properties, and multiplication tables with Vedantu to master maths fundamentals.


FAQs on How to Multiply Two Digit Numbers Using the Place Value Method

1. How to multiply using the place value method?

The place value method breaks down two-digit numbers into tens and ones before multiplying. First, break down each number into its place values (tens and ones). Then, multiply each part separately. Finally, add all the partial products together for the final answer. This method makes multiplying larger numbers more manageable.

2. How to multiply 2 digit numbers using area model?

The area model uses a visual approach for multiplication. Represent each two-digit number as a length and width of a rectangle. Divide the rectangle into smaller parts representing tens and ones. Multiply the smaller parts and then add the resulting values to get the final product. This is also referred to as the **box method** or **grid method** and helps visualize the distributive property in multiplication.

3. What is the place value method in two-digit multiplication?

The place value method simplifies multiplying two-digit numbers by breaking them into tens and ones. This involves expanding each number using its place values, performing the multiplication in parts (partial products), and then combining the results to get the final product. This approach makes larger multiplications easier to handle. It utilizes the concept of **decomposition** in multiplication.

4. How does the area model help in multiplication?

The area model provides a visual representation of the multiplication process using rectangles. It breaks down the multiplication of two-digit numbers into smaller, easier-to-manage multiplications of tens and ones. This approach visually connects to the **distributive property** of multiplication, making the concept easier to understand.

5. Can I use place value for three-digit multiplication?

Yes, the place value method can be extended to three-digit or even larger numbers. You simply extend the process by breaking each number into its hundreds, tens, and ones place values and multiplying each combination before adding them. It becomes more complex but the principle of **decomposition** remains the same.

6. What is the product of the place value of 3 in 5335?

In the number 5335, there are two 3s with different place values. The first 3 is in the hundreds place, so its place value is 300. The second 3 is in the tens place, so its place value is 30. Therefore, the total of their place values is 300+30=330.

7. Is there a shortcut for multiplying 2-digit numbers?

While the place value method is systematic, some mental math shortcuts can speed up calculations for certain pairs of numbers. However, mastering the standard place value method ensures accuracy for all two-digit multiplications, and serves as a strong foundation before exploring other shortcuts. Understanding **partial products** is key to these shortcuts.

8. How do I check my multiplication using partial products?

Checking your multiplication using partial products involves reviewing each step in the multiplication process. Verify the individual multiplications of tens and ones (partial products) and then make sure you have added them correctly to obtain the final product. This step-by-step verification helps pinpoint errors if any occur.

9. How do I break numbers into place values?

Breaking a number into place values involves identifying the value of each digit based on its position. For example, in the number 78, the 7 is in the tens place representing 70 and the 8 is in the ones place representing 8. So 78 is broken down as 70 + 8. This concept is essential for understanding the **expanded form** of a number which is crucial for the place value method of multiplication.

10. How to multiply using expansion/partial products?

Multiplying using expansion or partial products involves breaking down each number into its place values (tens and ones) before multiplication. Multiply each part of the first number by each part of the second number separately. Then, add these partial products together to find the final result. This approach helps visualize and understand each step of the multiplication process.