Multiplying Identical Digits?

Have you been given identical digits to multiply, and wondered if there could be a tip to make it a bit easier?  To clarify, identical digits are digits that repeat, such as 77, or 55, or 888, or 222, or 9999, and the list goes on and on. The tip is to always place the number with the identical digits on the bottom, which will simplify the process.

Let's take a look at 2 methods to multiply such numbers, and see which one you prefer.

Multiply 44 x 72.

Method 1:  (Multiply the numbers in the order they were given to you.)
     44
  x 72
     88
 308  
 3168
Note: In this step, you need to multiply 44 x 2, then multiply 44 x 7.  This is not difficult, but there is a better way, which is shown in Method 2.

Method 2:  (Make 44, the number with the repeating digits, the multiplier, which is on the bottom.)
     72
  x 44
   288
 288  
 3168
Note: In this step, you multiply 72 x 4, which is 288, then you simply write the same number on the next line, because you are multiplying 72 x 4 once again.  This tip becomes extremely beneficial if we were to calculate by hand 569 x 3333 and other such numbers. 

You may not need to use this tip often, but it is certainly a great tip to keep in your mind for those times when you may need it.  I guarantee that you will drastically reduce the time to perform the calculation and also will also reduce your risk of computational errors! 

Try it a few times, and you will see.  To become the expert, show this to a friend!