Let's Multiply!

This week in my summer Math class we learned new ways to multiply. Have you ever heard of different multiplication techniques other than standard multiplication? Well this week we are learning about four different methods.

• Standard Algorithm (Standard Multiplication)
• Lattice Method which has also been referred to as shadow boxes
• Cluster Method
• Partial Products 

All of these methods provide you with the same answer, however, only Lattice, Cluster, and Partial Products are introduced to students who learn with Everyday Mathematics, which is what most of the schools I've been in use. So how do we calculate these methods? 

Standard Algorithm- This is the method that your mom and dad learned in school, this is the method that schools are not teaching. Why? I am not sure. 
To work this problem the numbers are set up with the smallest amount of digits is on the top. 

Lattice Method- This is a method that I learned when I was in fifth grade. I loved this method, it was easy to me and I was able to do it and get the correct answer, every time. This is set up like a box and then the diagonal line in the middle of each box is where the answer goes.  

Cluster Method- This is a method that I was not familiar with prior to this week. With this method, students are essentially using their own reasoning to figure out with the problems answer is. For example, if the problem was 25 x 13 students would break this down and figure out that 25 x 10 = 250 and then 3 x 25= 75 so 250 + 75 = 325

Partial Products- With this method students learn how to use mental math to calculate the answer. As you can see the problem is calculated with 10 x 8 and 5 x 8 rather than 15 x 8.