Learning multiplication facts is a very important part of math for kids. Learning multiplication facts takes time, but with some of these tips and tricks, you can master them with practice. Once you've successfully memorized them, you can work on practicing your speed of remembering so that the numbers will come to mind on their own. Some multiplication facts are easier than others, but many multiplication facts have helpful hints that make them easier to learn.
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Method 1 of 3: Understanding Multiplication Facts
Step 1. Study one multiplication table at a time
Choose one multiplication table to study at a time. Start with easy times tables like 2, 10, 5, and 11. As you learn more difficult times tables like 7 and 8, you'll already know some multiplication facts.
Remember that 1 x 4 is the same as 4 x 1 so you only need to learn half the times table because half the table is written this way
Step 2. Use the time according to your needs
You don't have to sit down and learn all the multiplication facts at once. In fact, it is the worst way to learn. Choose a table and focus only on that table. Take your time as needed, as you'll need to master each multiplication fact before moving on to the next table.
- Spend 15-20 minutes a day studying flash cards or playing math games to master all the multiplication facts.
- There are lots of games about math multiplication on a variety of themes that can be found online. For example, if you really like dinosaurs, look for games with a dinosaur theme to make learning more fun.
Step 3. Ask family members to give a quiz about the multiplication table
Once you've learned enough, ask family members to give you a quiz about the multiplication table you just learned. This will help you remember it for a long time and refresh the memory of the multiplication in your head.
When you've memorized all the tables, ask them to give you a quiz about multiplying all numbers and not just multiplying one number
Method 2 of 3: Learn Some Number Tricks
Step 1. Know that any number multiplied by 0 equals 0
The zero multiplication fact is the easiest multiplication fact because any number multiplied by 0 is always zero.
Example: 0 x 1 = 0, 0 x 5 = 0, 0 x 8 = 0, etc
Step 2. Know that any number multiplied by 1 equals the number itself
The fact of multiplying by one is easy to learn because when you multiply a number by 1, the result is the number itself. Remember that zero is an exception.
Example: 1 x 2 = 2, 1 x 4 = 4, 1 x 7 = 7, etc
Step 3. Add up the numbers by themselves for the 2 times table
As you learn the facts about multiplying by 2, you may notice that a number that is multiplied by 2 only needs to be added to itself. Instead of remembering the product, just add the number by itself and you've learned the facts of multiplication by 2!
- Example: 2 x 4 = 8, but 4 + 4 = 8.
- This calculation applies to other numbers, 2 x 3 = 6 (3 +3 =6), 2 x 5 = 10 (5 + 5 = 10), and so on.
Step 4. Recognize the pattern in the 5 times table
The last digit of the product is 5 or 0. The pattern starts with 5 and is followed by 0: 5, 0, 5, 0. Example: 5 x 1 = 5, 5 x 2 = 10, 5 x 3 = 15, 5 x 4 = 20, etc. There are two other tricks to help remember multiplication facts 5: the product of (1) is always half the number 10 times the number and (2) equals half the number times 10.
- Example: 5 x 4 = half of (10 x 4). 10 x 4 = 40, half of 40 is 20; 5 x 4 = 20.
- Another example: 5 x 4 = (half of 4) x 10, half of 4 is 2, 2 x 10 = 20; 5 x 4 = 20.
Step 5. Know that when you multiply an even number by 6, the last digit of the product will equal the number itself
A useful hint for a 6 multiplication fact is to know the last digit of the product. This trick can only be used for even numbers. When you multiply 6 by an even number, the last digit of the product equals the number itself.
Example: 6 x 2 = 12, 6 x 4 = 24, 6 x 6 = 36, 6 x 8 = 48, and so on
Step 6. Calculate 10 x the number, then subtract that number from the product to find the fact of multiplying 9
A quick trick to learning the 9 times table is to multiply a number by 10 and subtract that number from the product to find the final answer.
- Example: 9 x 4. First, calculate 4 x 10 = 40. Then, subtract 4 from 40 to get 36. So 9 x 4 = 36.
- Another example: 9 x 8. 10 x 8 = 80, 80 – 8 = 72.9 x 8 = 72.
- Notice that the two digits in the product add up to 9! For 9 x 4 = 36, 3 + 6 = 9. For 9 x 8 = 72, 7 + 2 = 9. This applies to numbers 2 – 9.
Step 7. Add zero to the result of multiplying any number by 10
When multiplying a number by 10, the product is equal to the number plus 0. Again, zero is the exception to this rule (0 x 10 = 0).
Example: 10 x 2 = 20, 10 x 7 = 70, 10 x 9 = 90, and so on
Step 8. Repeat the digits of a number (up to 9) when multiplying a number by 11
The fact that multiplying 11 is very easy to do until you reach 10. Just repeat the number you are multiplying to find the final answer. After 9, you have to remember that 11 x 10 equals 110 and 11 x 12 equals 121.
Example: 11 x 2 = 22, 11 x 3 = 33, 11 x 4 = 44, and so on
Method 3 of 3: Using the Help Tool to Remember Multiplication Tables
Step 1. Use a flash card
Make a multiplication card for each set of numbers. While this may seem tedious, the process of making cards will help you learn multiplication. Once you've finished making them, spend some time each day studying them until you know all the multiplication facts.
- Focus on one set of numbers at a time.
- When you play a card and get the wrong answer, put the card in the pile so you can see it several times.
Step 2. Practice with the worksheet
Once you have mastered flash cards, try to work on worksheets. Start by practicing with one set of numbers at a time. When you've mastered all of them, try to work on a worksheet that combines all sets of numbers and see what the results are.
If you know that exams at school are timed, try practicing with a timer
Step 3. Sing a song with hand movements
There's an album of songs that sing the multiplication table. You can listen to it and learn the multiplication table through music instead of memorizing it. Listen to a few different versions and find one that works best for you.
Add hand or dance moves that illustrate different pairs of numbers to make the process more interactive
Step 4. Use reminders and funny stories to help you remember
Reminder aids are special techniques or learning tools that help you remember things. Stories like Times Tales (in English) can help you remember multiplication facts by associating numbers with funny characters and stories.
- Phrases like “5 6 7 8, 56 equals 7 times 8” (five, six, seven, eight; five six equals seven times eight) can also help you remember.
- There are many ways to remember multiplication facts. You just have to find the way that works best for you.
Step 5. Play a math game
Once you've mastered all the multiplication facts, play math games to practice speed. There are many online games available to help you master the multiplication tables and memorize them quickly.
- Math games are a more engaging and interactive way for children to learn the multiplication table.
- Some math games include visual aids and other graphics to help you relate the numbers.
- Drawing something to represent multiplication is another fun way to learn the multiplication table. For a 2 x 3 multiplication, draw three dogs with two eyes on each and count the number of eyes (6 in total).
Step 6. Relate numbers and multiplication tables to everyday life
Try to find ways to apply the mathematical multiplication table in everyday life. This will help you really understand the numbers and not just memorize the multiplication table.
If you know that the long vacation is only 8 weeks away, use the multiplication facts to figure out how many more days the vacation will be. There are 7 days in a week so 7 times 8 equals 56. You only have 56 days left on your vacation
Tips
- Reward your success, but don't apply penalties for forgetting the multiplication fact. Just look for the answer and remember the multiplication fact again.
- Studying with friends is always more fun and successful. You can learn the same multiplication facts or play a quiz for different multiplication facts.
Related wikiHow Articles
- Teaching Multiplication Tables to Children
- Solving Long Multiplication
- Teaching Multiplication to Third Graders
