Multiplication Tricks and Tips for Faster Learning

Like any new skill, learning multiplication takes time and practice. It also requires memorization, which can be a real challenge for young students. The good news is that you can master multiplication with as little as 15 minutes of practice time four or five times a week. These tips and tricks will make the job even easier. Use Times Tables Students usually begin learning basic multiplication by second grade. This skill will be essential as kids advance in class and study advanced concepts like algebra. Many teachers recommend using times tables to learn how to multiply because they allow students to begin with small numbers and work their way up. The grid-like structures make it easy to visualize how numbers increase as they are multiplied. Theyre also efficient. You can complete most times tables worksheets in one or two minutes, and students can track their performance to see how they improve over time. Using times tables is simple. Practice multiplying the 2s, 5s, and 10s first, then the doubles (6 x 6, 7 x 7, 8 x 8). Next, move to each of the fact families: 3s, 4,s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, 11s, and 12s. Start by doing one sheet and see how long it takes you to complete it. Dont worry about how many right or wrong answers you get the first time you complete a worksheet. Youll get faster as you become better at multiplying.  Do not move to a different fact family without first mastering the previous one.   Play a Math Game Who said learning multiplication has to be boring? By turning math into a game, youre more likely to remember what youre doing. Try one of these  games  in addition to times tables worksheets. The 9 Times Quickie 1. Hold your hands in front of you with your fingers spread out.2. For 9 x 3 bend your third finger down. (9 x 4 would be the fourth finger)3. You have 2 fingers in front of the bent finger and 7 after the bent finger.4. Thus the answer must be 27.5. This technique works for the 9 times tables up to 10. The 4 Times Quickie 1. If you know how to double a number, this one is easy.2. Simply, double a number and then double it again! The 11 Times Rule #1 1. Take any number to 10 and multiply it by 11.2. Multiply 11 by 3 to get 33, multiply 11 by 4 to get 44. Each number  to  10 is just duplicated. The 11 Times Rule #2 1. Use this strategy for two-digit numbers.2. Multiply 11 by 18. Jot down 1 and 8 with a space between it. 1__8.3. Add the 8 and the 1 and put that number in the middle: 198 Deck Em! 1. Use a deck of playing cards for a game of multiplication war.2. Initially, children may need the grid to become quick at the answers.3. Flip over the cards as though you are playing Snap.4. The first one to say the fact based on the cards turned over (a 4 and a 5 Say 20) gets the cards.5. The person to get all of the cards wins!6. Children learn their facts much more quickly when playing this game on a regular basis. More Multiplication Tips Here are some easy ways to remember your times tables: Multiplying by 2: Simply double the number that youre multiplying. For example, 2 x 4 8. Thats the same as 4 4.Multiplying by 4: Double the number youre multiplying, then double it again. For example, 4 x 4 16. Thats the same as 4 4 4 4.Multiplying by 5: Count the number of 5s youre multiplying and add them up. Use your fingers to help count if you need to. For instance: 5 x 3 15. Thats the same as 5 5 5.Multiplying by 10: This is super-easy. Just take the number youre multiplying and add a 0 to the end of it. For instance, 10 x 7 70.   Want more practice? Try using some of these fun and easy  multiplication games  to reinforce the times tables.