Experience Long Multiplication on the iPod or iPhone
My oldest kid has been struggling with long multiplications for a while. We have been practising and practising. Doing the traditional way on paper is ok but nothing really exciting. He is so reluctant to do it. Thanks to the iPod, it all changed few weeks ago when I downloaded the Long Multiplication App for the iPod or iPhone.
Don’t expect your kids to go crazy and be like “thank you so much mum for this app” ... it is still straight forward math and needs to be introduced as a help and support tool to the process of learning long multiplication. We work it out at during homework time and it does wonders, my son actually enjoys doing long multiplication, it is a nice break.
Most kids enjoy doing some extra long multiplication with this math app. Kids are given the opportunity to solve the problems step by step and each step is animated. It is a great alternative to study and practice the standard pen and paper algorithm for multiplying large numbers. The method breaks down a multiplication problem into a series of easier multiplications. It takes them by the hand, step by step making it easy to follow.
What still amazes me it that the process is the same as doing on paper, but having the possibility to do it on the iPod make a whole difference. Using math apps on the iPod Touch or iPhone allow children to learn study and practice in a fun educational way.
Long Multiplication 1.2 how does it work?
The long multiplication 1.2 app is ideal to practice multiplication with several digits. It appears exactly as if you were doing it on a piece of paper but on the iPod or iPhone. The method breaks down the multiplication problem into a series of shorter and easier multiplications. The Long Multiplication app allows the user to solve the problems step by step.
Kids really see what steps to take and how long multiplication works. It adds automation to the process, and brings a great interface as a learning support tool.
Kids can keep practicing; there is no penalty for wrong answers. If your kid presses the wrong button the answer will just appear above the keyboard but it will not move. “Because no wrong entries are allowed the app provides a passive form of positive reinforcement and your child will likely improve in both confidence and competence with respect to the procedure”, said assistant professor of mathematics education Tim Pelton.
Working out long multiplication problems is also a brilliant way to practice times tables. The long multiplication app is easy and friendly to use and it has an intuitive interface with customizable settings.
The Long Multiplication app has the following settings:
- The multiplicand can have up to 5 digits
- The multiplier can have 1 or 2 digits
- The current operation for each step can be hidden
Version 1.2 of the app has the following new features:
- The operands for the current operation can be highlighted
- There are 3 different themes: black, gray and gold
- The speed of the animations can be set
Long Multiplication has been developed by Espoo, Finland – Independent developer Esa Helttula and is just another popular educational math apps that complement Long Division, Column Addition and Column Subtraction.
Requirements: compatible with iPod Touch or iPhone. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.
Cost: 0.59 £ 
Other great educational math apps from Esa Helttula:
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