Using the area model for multiplication of multidigit numbers has many advantages:
• Students get a better conceptual model of multiplication.
• It is a logical next step after teaching lattice multiplication.
• It makes for a smoother transition into a the common procedure for multiplying multi-digit numbers.
• Area multiplication is an application of the distributive property.
• They make fewer mistakes.
• The area model transitions perfectly into binomial multiplication in algebra.
Your students will have greater success when working with multi-digit numbers after learning about area multiplication.