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Napier's bones are an easy way of multiplying large numbers without losing track of all the columns, rows, carrying...
The original version (repeated in this instructable) consisted of sticks (bones) with numbers marked on them, but that's not so portable.
The process can, though, be repeated with pencil and paper.
In school, this method is suitable for classes of most ages who are getting to grips with multiplying larger numbers.
In the UK, KS2 and upwards.
The original version (repeated in this instructable) consisted of sticks (bones) with numbers marked on them, but that's not so portable.
The process can, though, be repeated with pencil and paper.
In school, this method is suitable for classes of most ages who are getting to grips with multiplying larger numbers.
In the UK, KS2 and upwards.
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Signing UpStep 1The grid.
You start with a grid, sized to match the digits of your numbers.
For instance, if you are multiplying 748x43, you need a grid of 3x2 squares.
Draw diagonal lines across the grid (top-right to bottom-left), extending them to below the grid (see the examples in the images).
Write your numbers outside the grid (in the templates, I have drawn dotted-squares to show you where).
If you are not used to using the grids, or are just too lazy to draw them yourself, you can use the templates I have added to this Instructable.
The large sheet, with every size of grid on it, is a resource I created for my maths class, some of whom have poor motor skills, so can't draw straight lines without help.
For instance, if you are multiplying 748x43, you need a grid of 3x2 squares.
Draw diagonal lines across the grid (top-right to bottom-left), extending them to below the grid (see the examples in the images).
Write your numbers outside the grid (in the templates, I have drawn dotted-squares to show you where).
If you are not used to using the grids, or are just too lazy to draw them yourself, you can use the templates I have added to this Instructable.
The large sheet, with every size of grid on it, is a resource I created for my maths class, some of whom have poor motor skills, so can't draw straight lines without help.
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eg 11 x 42 (forgive the layout - you can easily do this in your head)
42_
_42 +
462
Too late to soften the hell that was my maths class at school, but I will certainly be using these techniques from now on, and teaching them to my children.
- napier[x]
- napiers[x]
- bones[x]
- maths[x]
- mathematics[x]
- multiplication[x]
- times
OK?