Times tables, with tricks
Understand what multiplying means, learn a trick for every table and practise until you get 10 in a row. Read one step, play with it, then tap “I understand this”.
Multiplying is equal groups
3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12. Multiplying is a shortcut for adding the same number.
Dots in rows
Change the rows and how many in each row. Then tap “Turn around”.
The times grid
The grid shows all the times tables up to 10 × 10. Pick a row and a column: where they meet is the answer.
Tap the grid
Tap any square. Look at the green square: it has the same answer.
You can swap the numbers: 6 × 7 = 7 × 6. Know one and you know both.
Turn 6 rows of 7 dots on their side: now it is 7 rows of 6. They are exactly the same dots, so the answer must be the same.
A trick for every table
You do not have to learn everything by heart. Most tables can be worked out from a table you already know.
Choose a table
Tap a table and read the trick.
The hardest facts are 6 × 7, 6 × 8, 7 × 8 and 8 × 9. Write them on a card and stick it on the fridge.
Division is multiplication backwards
Three numbers that belong together make a fact family: four sums with the same three numbers.
The fact triangle
Change a and b. On top is the answer to the multiplication; at the bottom are the two numbers.
Multiplying puts equal groups together; dividing takes them apart again. 3 groups of 4 is 12, so if you split 12 into groups of 4, you get 3 groups again.
Practise: 10 in a row
Choose the tables you want to practise. There is no clock: take your time and get 10 in a row.
10 in a row
Type the answer, then “Check”. Wrong? Look at the picture and try again.
In a row: 0
Check yourself
- 3 × 4 is 3 groups of 4.
- You may swap: 6 × 7 = 7 × 6.
- Dividing is multiplying backwards: 6 × 7 = 42, so 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
- Practise a little every day: the hard ones are 6 × 7, 6 × 8, 7 × 8 and 8 × 9.
Write these points in your maths book. Read them again the night before the test.
Quick questions
Tap an answer. If you get one wrong, read why and go back to that step. You get new questions every time.
You ticked all 5 steps! Now you are ready for the quiz.- Practice sheet for this classQuestions + memo · 2 A4 pagesPractice sheet
- Numbers14 pages · PDFPaperMemo
Ready for more? The MeerkatSkool times tables practice gives you new sums every time.
- One step a day is enough. Ten calm minutes work better than an hour the night before the test.
- Five minutes a day, every day, beats an hour on Sunday. Practise in the car or at the dinner table: “What is 7 × 8?”
- Ask your child to tell you the rule in their own words. If they can explain it, they understand it.
- The ticks (“I understand this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 4 Maths. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.