My *nix world

Fast multiplication 3 digits

Are you scared when comes to multiply a product like 123 x 321 in your head?

Well, that's not so hard as it seems to be!

Fast multiplication 3 digit

For this we can use a technique which reduce the number of operation to about half:

fast multiplication 3 digit

  • first step is to multiply the units digits, 3x5=15; the last digit of our product will be 5, save 1 into memory
  • next step is to do a double-cross multiplication and also addition between those products, I mean: 2x5 + 3x4 = 10 + 12 = 22; we recall the 1 from memory so we get 23; the next digit of product will be 3, save 2 into memory
  • next step is to do cross-multiplication on diagonals and add the results, I mean: 1x5 + 3x3 + 2x4 = 5 + 9 + 8=22; we recall the 2 saved to memory so we get 24; the next digit of product will be 4, save 2 into memory
  • next step is to do also the double-cross multiplication on the right, I mean: 1x4 + 2x3 = 4 + 6 =10; recall 2 from memory so we get 12; the next digit of product will be 2, save 1 into memory
  • the last step is to multiply the first digits, I mean: 1 x 3 = 3; recall 1 from memory so we should have the fist digit of our product as 4

The product will be 42435. Well, you will say that you can do the math, but can you do that on your head? This method involves just 5 steps and simple to do math, so you will be able to calculate such products directly in your head (no pen need it, maybe just to visualize the 2 numbers on a piece o paper).

Now, if you think that this article was interesting don't forget to rate it. It shows me that you care and thus I will continue write about these things.

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Fast multiplication 3 digits

Eugen Mihailescu

Founder/programmer/one-man-show at Cubique Software
Always looking to learn more about *nix world, about the fundamental concepts of math, physics, electronics. I am also passionate about programming, database and systems administration. 16+ yrs experience in software development, designing enterprise systems, IT support and troubleshooting.
Fast multiplication 3 digits

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