Two solutions for this equation 78 x 18?

Question

two solutions which are different in which primary school children can work out.

Answer 1

You could use the standard form of multiplication or you could use the lattice method.  My third graders LOVE that method.  I've included a video link.  Just don't pay attention to the background noise.  Someone is watching a television program.

Answer 2

1.  Use the standard algorithm that you learned in school.

2. Decompose at least 1 of the numbers:  

                   (70 x18) + (8x18)            or

                   (78 x 10) + (78 x 8)        or

      (70 x 10)+(8x10)+(70x8)+ (8x8)

You may be thinking this is too hard but I teach 4th graders to use this process of decomposing numbers. It helps them understand the value of the numbers, not just manipulate the digits.  I then teach the traditional algorithm as a short cut once they understand the numbers.