Lattice method...say what?!

Hello! Ever hear about the lattice method? I never have until my fourth year in college! But, it truly is a great method for multiplying, especially larger numbers!!! This is what a lattice method looks like:

Looks confusing, doesn't it?! But, in reality, it is a great method! I am going to share a few of the steps with you to clarify how easy the lattice method really can be! 

1. Write one of the numbers your multiplying above and the other number to the right of the chart, one digit per box. (Examples above: numbers 469 and 37)

2. Find the products for each cell of the chart. Use the 1-digit numbers on the outside of the chart as factors. Record each product in the cell with the tens digit of the product above the diagonal and the ones digit below. (Example above: 9x3=27, 9x7=63, and so on...)

3. Start at the lower right. Add diagonally as shown by the colored arrows. Write the ones digit of the diagonal sum below and to the left of the chart. IF the sum, along a diagonal is ten or more, regroup the 10 to the next diagonal. (Example above: 2+6+7=15, 2+8+4+8+(1)=23, etc)

4. Read the final product starting at the upper left digit, 1, from the top down and to the right (Example above: 17,353)

Now, this method may not work for everyone..But, there may be people out there like me that think this method is a lot easier and way more visual than figuring it out any other way. I am a visual learner so this helps me greatly! 

If you are still not understanding the lattice method I found a great video explaining the method a little more: 

                        

There  is a great website that helps you understand the different steps of the lattice method and how simple it is to learn and use. Here it is!

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/LatticeMethod.html

The lattice method is as simple as grabbing a pencil and paper, drawing a box, and writing a few numbers! I hope you all get the chance to use this method and see if it works for you, like it does for me! :) ENJOY!