Multiplication

Managing Multiplication

Multiplying has a really clear system.
This makes it relatively easy to teach.
Teach Multiplication as a System.


Simplifying Multiplication

Our math worksheets are not randomly generated, they are well-thought-out, strategically designed to help students progress through the mathematical learning process.

The Easiest Multiplication Facts to Teach

  • Multiplying by zero.
    Multiplying zero is always zero. An exaggerated example often helps to illustrate the point: zero times a trillion is zero.
  • Multiplying by one.
    One times a number is the number . Again use exaggeration: One times a zillion is a zillion.
  • Multiplying by two.
    Times two is a double. eg., 4 × 2 = 4 + 4 = 8 (sample worksheet)

    • Use our mult 0s,1s and 2s teaching worksheets.

  • Multiplying by four.
    Times four is a double plus a double. eg., 4 × 4 = 8 + 8 = 16 (sample worksheet)
  • Multiplying by five.
    Times five is best done by counting by fives. I tell my older students there are four times that I allow them to use their fingers -- 1) times five, 2) times nine, 3) divided by five, and 4) divided by nine.
  • Multiplying by nine. Traditionally, times 9 can be thought of as times 5 plus times 4. (sample worksheet)
    Magic Nine: Nine is such a magical number, kids love it. Another method is to lay your hands on the desk, fold under a finger. The number of fingers on each side of the folded finger is the answer to times nine.
    eg., 9 × 6. Fold under the sixth finger, the fingers left of the folded finger is the first number = 5, the fingers right of the folded finger is the last number = 4 so the answer to 9 × 6 = 54. (subscribed members use our magic nine worksheets.)

The 'Not-So' Easiest Multiplication Facts to Teach

  • Multiplying by three.
    Times three is a double plus the number. eg., 8 × 3 = (8 + 8) + 8 = 16 + 8 = 24
  • Multiplying by eight.
    Times eight is times four plus times four. eg., 8 × 8 = (8 × 4) + (8 × 4) = 32 + 32 = 64
  • Multiplying by six.
    Times six is a double plus a double plus a double.
    eg., 8 × 6 = (8 + 8) + (8 + 8) + (8 + 8) = 16 + 16 + 16 = 48
    or times five plus the number. eg., 8 × 6 = (8 × 5) + 8 = 40 + 8 = 48

    • Use our mult 3s, 6s and 8s teaching worksheets.

The Rest of the Multiplication Facts to Teach

  • 7 × 7. This is all that is left and can best be done by using times five plus a double,
    or (7 × 5) + (7 + 7) = 35 + 14 = 49.

Multiplication Made Manageable

See our Teaching Resources for Math for Multiplication worksheets, lesson plans, etc.

Return to Math Skills Index.

When You Multiply Your Efforts, Your Efforts are Multiplied.

Addressing the unique learning abilities of struggling students, Teach All Kids is committed to providing both free and paid member-only worksheets and usage advice based upon proven techniques that help your child or student to be more successful. Those choosing to become subscribed members will have immediate access to over 2,500 additional teaching resources.