Multiple Number Names: An Exercise in Multiplication
by Elaine Ernst Schneider

Here’s a twist for multiplication! – a fun way to practice multi-digit problems. The idea is to assign a number to each letter of the alphabet and then figure out “number names.”

Here’s your alphabet/number chart:

A = 1	H = 8	O = 15	V = 22
B = 2	I = 9	P = 16	W = 23
C = 3	J  = 10	Q = 17	X = 24
D = 4	K = 11	R = 18	Y = 25
E = 5	L = 12	S = 19	Z = 26
F = 6	M = 13	T = 20
G = 7	N = 14	U = 21

Now take a short name and fit the numbers to the letters. Let’s try Bob.
Bob = 2(2 is for B) times 15(15 is for O) times 2(2 is for another B)
Bob = 2 X 15 X 2
Bob = 30 X 2
Bob = 60
Bob’s “number name” is 60.

How about a longer name? Let’s try Annie.
Annie = 1 X 14 X 14 X 9 X 5
Annie = 14 X 14 X 9 X 5
Annie =  196 X 9 X 5
Annie = 1764 X 5
Annie  = 8820
Annie’s “number name” is 8820.

Here are some names for you to try:

Suzie
Alison
Billy
Edward
Paige
Katie
Nickie

(answers are at the end of this lesson)

Now multiply all your friend’s names. Use your number names as code names for signing private messages.

Variation:  Multiply the alphabet numbers in different orders, not just left to right. You will note that the answer remains constant.

Answers:

Suzie =  466,830
Alison = 430,920
Billy = 64,800
Edward = 33,120
Paige = 5040
Katie = 9900
Nickie = 187,110

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