Before we can build an area model for multiplication, we need to look at our numbers in a new way. Large numbers can look intimidating, but we can make them incredibly friendly by breaking them down into their component parts based on place value. This process reveals the true mathematical weight of each digit rather than just its face value.

To do this, we write numbers in expanded form. For example, when you look at the number 25, you are really looking at 2 tens and 5 ones. We pull those parts apart to write it as $20 + 5$. Similarly, the number 42 stretches out to become $40 + 2$.

By separating the tens from the ones, we establish the clean, round dimensions we need to build our visual models. Let's make sure you have the hang of this before we map these numbers onto a grid.