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In the $2 \times 2$ multiplication square below, the boxes at the end of each row and the foot of each column give the result of multiplying the two numbers in that row or column.
7 | 5 | 35 |
3 | 4 | 12 |
21 | 20 |
The $3 \times3$ multiplication square below works in the same way. The boxes at the end of each row and the foot of each column give the result of multiplying the three numbers in that row or column.
15 | |||
108 | |||
224 | |||
144 | 8 | 315 |
The numbers $1 - 9$ may be used once and once only.
Can you work out the arrangement of the digits in the square so that the given products are correct?
This problem requires learners to find common factors and offers a context in which they can explain their reasoning.
You could begin by having a partially completed multiplication square (or squares) on the board, with just a few gaps, for example:
7 | 5 | 35 |
3 | 12 | |
20 |
8 | 24 | |
12 | ||
18 |
Ask the class to describe what they see. Can they fill in the spaces? Invite some children to explain how they know what goes in each empty cell and encourage use of appropriate vocabulary.
Calculators might be useful.