Tips for Teaching the Multiplication Tables

Easy Tricks for the 9's in Multiplication Tables

Kathleen Lynn
Is your child working on the multiplication tables? Are they struggling with the timed testing methods? Need some quick and easy tips to help get them on track? There are three different tricks to the 9 table that may come in handy.

1. The Hands Method - Yes, your child can use their ten fingers for learning the 9 table in multiplication. Assign each finger a number 1-10. You can also use a washable marker to write the numbers. Then ask them 9x7 for example. Have them fold down the finger marked with the 7. They will have six fingers, the folded one, then three fingers. Sixty - three.

2. The Addition Method - My father in law taught my son this neat trick. When dealing with the 9 table up to 9x9 the answer will add up to 9. For instance 9x9= 81. Now add your 8 + 1 = 9. So if they are stumped on say 9x8 and saying five, five - ask what number added to five would equal 9.

3. Subtract a digit method - This was my favorite trick when I was learning the 9 table. 9x7 for example, if you subtract one from the seven is six so you already know your answer will start with six. Now if you follow the rule above about addition, six plus what equals nine? Three. See how easy that was?

Teaching your child math can seem daunting at first. But there are several tricks and tips that can come in handy and make the job seem a lot easier. One thing that can help immensely is to practice with them each night. Go for speed. For instance take a deck of cards and shuffle them. Make sure you assign numbers to the face value cards. Flip two over and have your child compete with a sibling or parent for the most correct. This will help them multiply faster and if used nightly can greatly increase their scores on the speed tests given in schools. Not only is this fun, there is the added challenge of having to beat someone that has already learned the tables and will be quick to shout out the answers. The one with the most cards at end of game wins. If the cards are a tie reshuffle them into the card dealer's hand.

Published by Kathleen Lynn

Mother, Writer, Reader, Gamer - These pretty much sum up what I enjoy. The degree of enjoyment may vary on some days. As a writer, I have sold two books to online publishers. I have also published one pri...  View profile

3 Comments

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  • Danielle Olivia Tefft1/14/2010

    Excellent ideas! I could have used these tips when I was learning my multiplication tables!

  • John Smither1/14/2010

    Good article on teaching multiplication.

  • Abby Greenhill1/13/2010

    I am 62 years old and I can still remember my father standing over my shoulder and making me repeat the times tables. Scary memories! Interesting article!

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