Russian Multiplication

Also called "Ethiopian multiplication." To multiply two numbers a and b, write and in two columns. Under , write , where is the floor function, and under , write . Continue until . Then cross out any entries in the b column which are opposite an even number in the a column and add the b column. The result is the desired product. For example, for


 

Multiplication




References

Wells, D. The Penguin Dictionary of Curious and Interesting Numbers. Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, p. 44, 1986.