1. Choose a 2-digit number.
2. Select a number either 3 smaller or 3 larger.
3. Add 1 to the smaller number, then square.
4. Subtract one from the smaller number.
5. Add this to the square.

   Example:

1. If the first number is 63, choose 67 as the second number.
2. The middle number (the average) is 65.
3. Square this middle number: 65 × 65 = 4225. Remember how to square a 2-digit number ending in 5?
4. Subtract 4 from this square: 4225 - 4 = 4221.
5. So 63 × 67 = 4221.

   See the pattern?

1. If the first number is 38, choose 42 as the second number.
2. The middle number (the average) is 40.
3. Square this middle number: 40 × 40 = 1600.
4. Subtract 4 from this square: 1600 - 4 = 1596.
5. So 38 × 42 = 1596.

   Choose the second number that will give you the easier square, and use your square shortcuts.