A. From algebra we learn:
(10a + b) (10a + (5-b)) =
1. 100(a2 + a/2) + 10(0) + b(5-b), if a is even
2. 100(a2 + a-1/2) + 10(5) + b(5-b), if a is odd
B. Using numbers instead of variables we get the following:
1. Multiply the one's digits. Write this down.
2. If a is even, write 0. If a is odd, write 5.
3. If a is even, add a/2 to a2. Write this value down.
4. If a is odd, add a-1/2 to a2. Write this value down.
C. Examples:
Ex [1] 41 x 44 = ______
a. Multiply 1 x 4 = 4. Write down 4.
b. Since a=4 is even, write 0.
c. Add 42 + 4/2 = 18. Write 18.
d. The answer is 1804.
Ex [2] 132 x 133 = _____
a. Multiply 2 x 3 = 6. Write 6.
b. Since 13 is odd, write 5.
c. Add 132 + 13-1/2 = 169 + 6 = 175.
d. The answer is 17556.
D. This trick works, but only if the last numbers add to 5. For a more general formula I suggest using Multiplying 2 Numbers With The Same Ten's Digit.