A computer program in BASIC is presented, with the underlying algorithm explained, for multiplying any two multi-digit numbers and obtaining an exact answer. (MP)

A study to determine if "random" or "careless" errors in multiplication made by individual students take on discernible patterns is described. Implications for teaching are discussed. (MK)

Five reports from a 2-year study are presented. Frequencies and descriptions of systematic errors in the four algorithms in arithmetic were studied in upper-middle income, regular, and special education classrooms involving 744 children. Children were screened for adequate knowledge of basic facts and for receiving prior instruction on the…

Students from six fourth-grade classes were paired and randomly assigned to computer or worksheet treatments on multiplication and division. Those using computer-based drill-and-practice programs made greater gains on some tests of basic facts, but had no higher retention of algorithms. (MNS)

A 14-year-old Brazilian boy in the fourth grade was given 170 problems orally, each asking for the sum of 2 2-digit numbers. Responses indicated he had invented his own algorithm for addition, similar to the school one, based largely on his experiences with money. (Contains 13 references.) (JAF)

The concept of multiplication is described and illustrated using several different representational systems. A conceptual approach to teaching mathematics is compared with the procedural approach commonly found in the school curriculum. Four different methods of representing the multiplication process with numbers larger than ten are presented:…