Helpful Tips and Tricks for Learning Multiplication
Frequently, students are taught to memorize the "times tables" when learning multiplication. Unfortunately, research shows that rote memorization is actually an ineffective technique for learning multiplication. Instead, use these tips and tricks.
Understanding multiplication
Multiplication is simply repeat addition. The symbol for multiplication "x" simply takes the place of repeating the plus sign and numeral over and over. While this substitution and abstraction is usually an easy concept for adults, it is a tricky concept for children to master.
Tricks by number
Many numbers have a trick that make multiplication easier. Whenever you see a 2x, you should simply mentally substitute the second number plus the second number again. For example, 2x8 is exactly the same as 8+8. For the number 5, remember that the result number always ends in a 5 or 0. If you multiply by 6, the last digit of the number is the same as the other number in the problem. For example, 6x2=12 and 6x4=24. To multiply a number by 9, figure out what that number is multiplied by 10, and then simply subtract the number itself. For example, 9x5=45 because 5x10=50 and then subtract 5 to get 45. To multiply by 10, add a zero. So, 10x4=40 and 10x7=70. A number multiplied by 11 is that number repeated twice, when multiplying single digit numbers. 11x7=77 and 11x3=33. Remembering these tricks makes learning many multiplication problems much easier.
Twins
Every multiplication has a twin. This means that 5x8=8x5 and 7x3=3x7. Consequently, if you can remember half of the multiplication table, you actually know the whole table.
Attempting to sit down and memorize the entire multiplication table is time consuming, and imparts little actual knowledge about multiplication. Instead, try to understand that multiplication is only repeat addition and that some numbers have very predictable patterns when they are multiplied. By remembering these patterns, you can figure out the answer to a multiplication problem, even if you have not memorized the multiplication table. Because this involves actual problem solving, this is a superior method of learning addition when compared to rote memorization and makes it easier to learn complex multiplication in the future.