Multiplication Tips

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Zero and One Times Tables: Could This Get Any Easier?

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Check this out: if you multiply ANYTHING by zero, the answer is zero. Anything. 4 x 0 = 0 and

1,000,000 x 0 = 0. One times tables are almost as easy. Any number multiplied by one is always

itself. "Huh," you say? Well, check it out: 1 x 10 = 10, 1 x 42 = 42, 8,726 x 1 = 8,726. Simple, right?

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Two Times Tables: Double Your Pleasure

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When you multiply a number by two, you just double that number. That's some pretty simple math, even

for the most numerically challenged of us. So, if you want to figure out what 2 x 7 is, you just add

7 + 7 (the answer is 14, by the way). Any number times two is the same as that number PLUS itself.

Here's one more example: 2 x 5 is the same as 5 + 5, which equals 10. Practice a couple -- it's really easy.

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Four Times Tables: Double, Double Trouble

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OK, so now that you have the twos figured out, it's time to get doubling again. This is not as confusing

as it may sound. When you multiply four with anything, you have to use the doubling-up trick (that's the

one you used for the two times table) twice. Here's an example: 4 x 7 is the same as 7 + 7 = 14 and

then 14 + 14 = 28. So 4 x 7 = 28. Here's another double, double example: 4 x 10 is the same as 10 + 10 = 20, so then 20 + 20 = 40. So the answer is 4 x 10 = 40.

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Five Times Tables: It's Why You Have Fingers

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First things first - can you count to five? Yeah? Then you can figure out your five times tables. So, when

you want to multiply a number by five you just count up by fives that may times. Let's review how to count

by fives: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25... and so on. Got it? So if you want to multiply 5 x 7, you just count by fives,

seven times. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35. So 7 x 5 = 35. If you have trouble keeping track, just use your

fingers.

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Nine Times Tables: One Seriously Handy Tip

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Here is a fun way to remember your nine times tables. For this method you are going to need to have

two hands. Put your hands in front of you with your palms towards you. Your fingers represent the

numbers one to ten (one is your left thumb; ten is your right thumb). Now you're ready to do your

nine times tables. Let's say the question is 9 x 4. Count to the fourth finger (if you've counted right,

it will be the ring finger on your left hand) and curl that finger under. Now you have three fingers

up before that finger and 6 up after it. So the answer is 36. Let's try 9 x 8. Put down the8th finger

(middle finger on the right hand) so that you have seven fingers up before the finger you curled under,

and two fingers afterward. So the answer is 72.

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Ten Times Tables: Just Tack on a Zero

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Here's another no-brainer. If you want to multiply something by 10, just tack on a zero on the end.

Here's an example: 10 x 8 = 80 or 10 x 100 = 1,000. Try it with any number - from one to a billion.

It's just too easy.

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Eleven Times Tables: Seeing Double

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Here's another one that's as easy as pie. Any number - up to nine - multiplied by 11 is itself written

out twice. Confused? Just check it out: 9 x 11 = 99, 4 x 11 = 44, 3 x 11 = 33 and so on.

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Here's a Helpful Hint:

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Times tables work both ways (5 x 10 is the same as 10 x 5) , so if you know one fact...you actually

know two!