Multiplication method

[Dennis S. Kopecky]

Hi; I guess it was within the past year or so, that I saw and kept an
article from our newspaper about a Korean, I think, system of
multiplication, using the fingers of each hand. It might have been called
something like Choi-yo, and it worked something like this: your thumbs were
each valued at five, index fingers at six, middle at seven, etc. By putting
the fingers of the numbers you were trying to multiply, i.e., six times
seven, index finger to middle finger, you could "read" the result by
counting the remaining fingers above and below, (or something like that) the
two fingers that were touching.
I know I kept the article, and definitely tried it to know it works, but
I can't find the article right away. I am also reminded of a math professor
I had, who was of Greek decent, who would always be doing his mental math
looking at, and comparing his fingers. Could this be a similiar, or the same
system? (He never showed any of us how we could learn what he was doing !!)
If any of you are familiar enough with either of these finger math
methods, I'd sure appreciate some instruction (again). I have an associate
whose kid is not doing too well in learning his times tables, and I thought
I could perhaps give him a valuable tool that might build up his confidence,
so that he really could do his math work .
Thanks in advance, and maybe others would be interested in your reply to
this posting. ~Dennis

[JAAJ]

Hi Dennis. I remember back in the late 70's there was a method of finger
math called 'Chisanbop'. I don't quite remember how to do it but I think
you'd be able to find information about it somewhere on the web. Actually I
think this is yet another method for finding answers without truly
understanding the concepts. Perhaps using manipulatives would help the
child "see" what is abstract to him. Once he internalizes the concept, the
memorizing should become easier. Best wishes....Judy

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Dennis S. Kopecky wrote in message ...

[Mpoconnor7]

>Hi Dennis. I remember back in the late 70's there was a method of finger
>math called 'Chisanbop'. I don't quite remember how to do it but I think
>you'd be able to find information about it somewhere on the web. Actually I
>think this is yet another method for finding answers without truly
>understanding the concepts. Perhaps using manipulatives would help the
>child "see" what is abstract to him. Once he internalizes the concept, the
>memorizing should become easier. Best wishes....Judy

I remember Fred MacMurray did ads on TV for this method of multiplication using
ones' fingers.

[D. B.]

The finger method you're referring to reduces all multiplication
problems over 5 x 5 to an addition and a resulting multiplication of
numbers 5 or less. The finger numbering is as you say. To multiply 6 x
7 (ring finger of one hand touching the middle finger of the other),
count the number of fingers that are below the ones touching, including
the touching fingers. That will give you the number of 10's in the
answer. The upper fingers (3 on one hand and 2 on the other) multiply
to give 6, the number of units in the answer. 50 + 6 = 56
Note that 6 x 6 results in 20 + 16 but it still yields 36 the correct
answer.