Find each number's distance from 100

For 97 x 96, 97 is 3 below 100 and 96 is 4 below 100. Those distances are the deficits.

Build the first part

Subtract one number's deficit from the other number. 97 - 4 = 93, or 96 - 3 = 93. Both give the same result, which becomes the first two digits.

Build the last two digits

Multiply the deficits together and write the result as two digits. 3 x 4 = 12, so the answer is 9312. If the product is a single digit, pad it with a zero. Example: 99 x 97: 96 and 03, so 9603.

Numbers above 100

The same pattern works above 100, but you add instead of subtract. Example: 106 x 102: 106 + 2 = 108, and 6 x 2 = 12. Answer: 10812.

Practice problems

  1. 97 x 96
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    Deficits are 3 and 4. 97 - 4 = 93, and 3 x 4 = 12. Answer: 9312.

  2. 98 x 94
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    Deficits are 2 and 6. 98 - 6 = 92, and 2 x 6 = 12. Answer: 9212.

  3. 103 x 104
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    Surpluses are 3 and 4. 103 + 4 = 107, and 3 x 4 = 12. Answer: 10712.

References

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