Breaking It Apart: Multi-Digit Multiplication with the Area Model
Shared by A STEM Educator
Students will multiply two-digit by two-digit numbers using the area model (partial products strategy) by decomposing each factor into expanded form, labeling a four-section rectangle, computing each partial product, and summing the results.
Lesson Overview
Students learn to multiply two-digit numbers by decomposing each factor into tens and ones, building a rectangle (area model), and adding the four partial products. The lesson moves from teacher modeling to partner practice to independent mastery.
Materials
- Pencil and paper
- Whiteboard and markers (class board + student mini whiteboards if available)
- Ruler or straight edge (optional, for drawing rectangles)
Scaffolded Task Progression
Step 1: Decompose both factors.
___ + ___ ___ + ___
Step 2: Draw and label a 4-section rectangle.
Step 3: Fill in all four partial products.
Step 4: Add the partial products to find the total.
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
Decompose first, then build your rectangle and find all four partial products.
___ + ___ ___ + ___
Partial products:
- ___ ___ = ___
- ___ ___ = ___
- ___ ___ = ___
- ___ ___ = ___
Total: ___
Unlock the full lesson
See all 6 scaffolded tasks, the full answer key, warm-up, exit slip, and a print-ready version — free to start.
Create a free accountAlready have an account? Sign in
Like this lesson but want to tweak it?
Make an editable copy and adjust the tasks, warm-up, and answer key to fit your class — no need to start from scratch.