a. \( 22 \times 24= \)

Did you know that multiplying numbers like \( 22 \times 24 \) can be simplified using the distributive property? You can break it down into \( 22 \times (20 + 4) \), which means \( (22 \times 20) + (22 \times 4) \). That gives you \( 440 + 88 = 528 \)! Getting the right answer often boils down to setting up your calculations properly. A common mistake is rushing through the multiplication and forgetting to carry over digits or misplacing a decimal. Don't forget to double-check your work! It’s always a great habit to verify complex calculations.