Many children struggle to learn multiplication tables. We have discussed a few tips and strategies below which should help to easily memorise tables from 1 to 10.
Commutative property makes it easier. 4* 6 is the same as 6*4. So, technically, you only have to learn half of the chart (score!).
Multiplying by:
1 : Gives you the same number
10 : Add 0 at the end to get the required number
2: This is just an easy addition problem. Add the number to itself (in other words, double it) Example 2×4 = 4+4 = 8
3: You can first start by counting of 3 ie 3,6,9,12, 15 . Once you have got that, start doing it faster and faster. Initially you do it in sequence and once you have mastered that, try doing it in reverse order
4: The approach is similar to number 3 discussed above . Another way is to double, then double again . Example 4×6: double 6 is 12, double 12 is 24
5 : The last digit will be either 5 or 0. The required number will be half of (10 times the number). Example: 5 x 8 = half of 10 x 8 = half of 80 = 40
9 : There is a property that for multiples of 9, the digits add up to 9. So 9 * 3 = 27 and the digits 2 and 7 add up to 9. Also, the first digit is 1 less than the multiplier. For 9 * 3 = 27, the first digit is 2 which is 1 less than the multiplier 3.
Once we have learnt the above multiples, we are only left with the following 3* 3 square. Its relatively easy to memorise the square of single digit numbers like 6 * 6, 7 * 7 and 8 * 8. Now 6 * 7 is same as 7 * 6. So, you basically need to memorise 6 * 7, 7 * 8 and 8 * 6
This allows you to easily memorise multiplication tables from 1 to 10.
Practice the following with your child to improve his/her learning:
- Do speed drills
- Try to do it in reverse order
- Do the multiplication by mixing the sequence
- Have your child make a set of flash cards. Write the problem, like 7 x 8, on the front and the answer, 56, on the back. Check how many cards they can go through in a minute
