> The classic multiplication algorithm is completely mechanistic. You just need to learn the multiplication table and then even a trained monkey can do it. So'

> The classic multiplication algorithm is completely mechanistic. You just need to learn the multiplication table and then even a trained monkey can do it. So's the 'Common Core' one though? (I didn't go to school in the US, learnt both ways in the UK before 2010.) The difference is it requires some addition, vs. 'long multiplication' requires some carry. I would always prefer addition personally, assuming I'm doing it in my head. And frankly if I'm not doing it in my head then I'm typing it into a calculator, not writing it out.