How To: Multiply & Divide Numbers (Basic Elementary Math)

Adding and subtracting may be the easiest of mathematical operations, but once you get it down, multiplication and division can be just as easy.  That's why it's called elementary arithmetic.  If it were harder, it would be called college algebra or trigonometry.  But it's not— it's basic math, and once you get your head around the numbers, you'll never hate math class again!  (Okay, maybe you will.)

Step 1 Multiplication

First off, when learning how to multiply numbers, it's good to have the multiplication table handy.  Below is the multiplication table, up to the number 30.  You can print this table out for future use.

* More printable multiplication charts can be accessed at Vaughn's Summaries.

Now that you have the multiplication chart, check out the videos below for some easy techniques on multiplying numbers.  This is basic math, so it shouldn't take you too long to get the hang of it.

How to Multiply with Your Fingers

How to Multiple the Number 9

How to Multiply Large Numbers

How to Multiply with Weaving Numbers

How to Multiply Large Numbers (Trick)

If this is all too easy for your brilliant mathematical mind, then check out some of the other multiplication videos on WonderHowTo to learn how to multiply fractions, complex numbers and more!

Step 2 Division

Now that you've got your basic multiplication down, it's time to move onto division.  Check out the division table below for reference, which covers up to 12.  You can print this table out for future use.  Also, memorizing the multiplication helps significantly when learning to divide numbers.

* Above chart from MathATube.

Now that you have the division chart, check out the videos below for some easy techniques on dividing numbers.  If you've master basic multiplication, this should be no problem.

How to Divide Smaller Numbers

How to Divide Long Numbers

How to Divide Long Numbers without a Calculator

If you've conquered this easy division, too, then check out some of the other division videos on WonderHowTo to learn how to divide fractions, complex numbers, negative numbers and more!