654 x 31 = ????

1. Start by writing the larger number on top with the ones, tens, hundreds (thousands, etc.) places lined up with the number below

2. Start by multiplying the first numbers ones place value by the second numbers ones place value

3. Write the resulting number in the ones place under the line. Then move on to the 10s place. Multiply the top number’s 10s place by the ones place of the second number

4. Write the resulting number in the 10’s place. Finally, for this row, multiply the 100s place of the top number by the ones place of the bottom number

5. Write the number in the 100’s place. If the bottom number is a single digit, the problem would be completed.

6.  Because the bottom number has 2 digits,  we still need to multiply the top number by that digit. Before that, however, add a “placeholder” zero in the ones spot on the next line

7.  Start by multiplying the top number’s ones place by the bottom numbers 10s place

8. Since 4 x 3 = 12, and we can only have a single digit in each column, we will have to carry the 1

9. Multiply the top numbers 10s place with the bottom numbers 10s place. We cannot forget about the carry, so add the carry after it has been multiplied. 5 x 3 = 15 + 1 = 16

10.  Once again, since 16 has two digits and we can only have one per column, so we had to carry the 1. Multiply the 100s place of the top number by the 10s place of the bottom number and then add the carry. 6 x 3 = 18 + 1 = 19

11. Add the two rows together to get the final answer

So 654 x 31 = 20,274