Sometimes, the three-digit numbers in multiplication problems have a zero in the tens place (tens column). Working with zeros can be tricky, so remember this rule: When you regroup (carry) a digit to the next place value, multiply the numbers in that place value first, and then add the digit regrouped.
Let's take a look at how this works in the problem below:
You might think that this is the correct answer, but there is something very wrong here. Let's try retracing the steps. Looking back, we see that the problem in the ones place (ones column) was solved correctly.
For the tens place, the 3 that we regrouped was multiplied by 8. This is wrong!
We should instead multiply 0 times 8 and then add 3.
You should multiply first, even if the answer equals 0. If you don't do it correctly, the mistake you made in one part of the problem could carry over to the next! Take a look at how the hundreds place was solved:
Because of the mistake in the tens place, 2 was regrouped to the next place value and added to the answer for the problem in the hundreds place (hundreds column), giving you 34, which is wrong.
In the correct solution, you can see that nothing was regrouped. The answer to 4 times 8 is 32. The final product (answer) of 404 times 8 equals 3,232 (404 x 8 = 3,232).
Zeros can be tricky to work with. Just remember, first you multiply, and then you add the digit you regrouped.
