The "trick", which is taught in Japanese schools, involves drawing parallel lines to represent the digits you are multiplying ...

Then work through the page and see if you can beat your score. Parallel lines are the same distance apart from each other all the way along their length. Even if the lines are made longer ...

Geometry! HA! Who needs it ... We use matching arrows to show parallel lines. No matter the length of the sides, as long as they’re equal and there are 4 right angles of 90 degrees ...