After the basic concepts of multiplication have been taught, here are some tips to learning and memorizing multiplication facts. Works well with older students.

****Remember the COMMUTATIVE PROPERTY – the order of the numbers does not change the answer. One fact learned means that two facts are actually learned.
Example: 4 x 5 = 20 and 5 x 4 = 20

Tips:

0s ----------- since multiplication is repeated addition.
0 x 3 = 0 + 0 + 0 = 0
3 x 0 = 0 (commutative property)
Now, think of 0 x 3 as zero groups with three in each group. There are no groups!

1s ----------- any number times one equals that number, and it represents one group of one. Let’s form a picture in the mind that will stick. Think of the number one as a tall mirror. Any number looking into the mirror (multiplied by one), sees what? Itself!

3s ------- Use skip counting to learn the 3’s. For instance, to calculate 3 x 3, count by 3’s three times…3, 6, 9. Therefore, 3 x 3 = 9. Of course, you can use this method with all timetables.

6s ------ once you have mastered the 3’s. You’ll learn the 6’s with ease. Instead of multiplying by 6, multiply by 3 and double the answer. This is the same strategy used for the 4’s and 8’s. At this point, many of six timetables have been learned. The only ones left are …
6 x 4 and 6 x 8 ---- refer to the article, Multiplication Tips – 2s, 4s, 8s
6 x 5 = Refer to the article, Multiplication – Unique Timetable Patterns – 5s

6 x 6 =
Multiply 6 by 3 (which is half of 6) ------------- 3 x 6 = 18
Double the answer, 18 ------------------------- ( 18 + 18 = 36) or ( 18 x 2)
Thus, 6 x 6 = 36
Rhyme: 6 x 6 is 36


6 x 7 =
Multiply 7 by (3 which is half of 6) ------------- 3 x 7 = 21
Double the answer, 21 ------------------------- ( 21 + 21 = 42) or ( 21 x 2)
Thus, 6 x 7 = 42
Note: Did you hear the story about “6” and “7”?
“6” and “7” were friends. So, they rode a bicycle “for” “two”! (“for” “two” is a cute way to say “forty-two”)

7s ----------- Once the 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 have been learned, the only fact left is
7 x 7 = 49, and you’re doing just fine!
Use this rhyme or one of your own to remember this fact.

Another interesting pattern is the fact “7 x 8 = 56.” If you write the equation with the product first, the numbers are in numerical order. “5” “6” = “7” x “8”


Hopefully, these tips will make learning fun.


If you would like an interactive learning tool, consider Hot Dots Multiplication Flash Cards. A special pen is used to select an answer. A correct answer will produce a bright light and sound, and a wrong answer gives a “bong” sound. This is the version I used in my class without any groans. However, now there is a new and improved pen with new sound effects, lights, and it talks. . Keep in mind, the pen is sold separately, and you can choose whether you want to hear words and/or sounds on the pen. That’s good to know for a classroom setting. On the other hand, perhaps you'd prefer electronic flashcards.