Ever wondered how computers multiply huge numbers with hundreds or even thousands of digits? The process may seem simple, but ...

To help you understand the algorithm, the video shows a simple two-digit by two-digit multiplication. You can see that the first and last digits are essentially the result of one multiplication.

The standard method for two and three digit multiplication is delayed until fifth grade; the standard method for long division until sixth.

The Common Core State Standards teach students the algorithm for multi-digit addition and subtraction in 4th grade. But some experts say it should be taught sooner.