A centuries-old method for solving multiplication is being taught in some area schools, and it’s meeting with mixed reviews.

The use of lattice multiplication to solve for 12 x 34. The multiplicands are set up perpendicularly with one digit written horizontally and the other written vertically down the right side.

Lattice multiplication makes use of the multiplication table in order to multiply huge numbers together quickly and easily. It is thought to have originated in India and moved west into Europe.