Another Mathematical Breakthrough!

My thirteen year old brother [I feel so old to say that!] is taking Algebra 1 this year. The following is taken from a conversation we had while he was doing his homework a couple weeks ago...

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Nate: "If I want to do 13 x 13, can I do 10 x 10 and 3 x 3 and add them together?"

Me: "No."

Nate: "Well, then, can I do 12 x 12 and add 13?"

Me: "No."

Nate: "I need a calculator."

Me: "Sit down and do the multiplication!"

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I'm a tough homework-helper... I do give him points for creative thinking though :)