Cover Story - August 2008

Tips and Techniques for mastering the multiplication table

By Segit Hadad

Not having mastered the multiplication table makes it difficult for your child to advance in their mathematical studies, since many of the subjects are based on this basic skill. As soon as the child has understood the meaning of multiplication, and the ways to calculate the exercises, they are required to memorize the entire multiplication table. This is no easy undertaking, too many exercises to memorize at once in such a short time!

When the child experiences difficulty in memorizing the exercises, he/she will begin to develop frustrations, and a lack of will to learn math. There is a way to prevent your child from reaching this situation. With the aid of several tips and techniques, you can assist your child in learning the multiplication table with a minimum amount of resistance and a maximum amount of success.

How to Begin?
You should begin learning the multiplication table with the lower times tables, and from there to continue in this order:
Multiplication of 0 - the result will always be 0
Multiplication of 1 - the result will always be the number that we multiplied by 1.
Multiplication of 10 - We add 0 on the right side of the number that we have multiplied by 10 (if we have multiplied by 3, the result will be 30)
Multiplication of 2 - The addition of the number to itself.
Multiplication of 5 - The units column digit will always be either 5 or 0. multiplication of an even number will result in a 0 in the units column, where as multiplication of an uneven number will result in 5 in the units column. In addition, it’s possible to multiply the number by 10 and then divide it by 2.
Multiplication of 4 - Double the multiplication of 2.
Multiplication of 6, 7, 8 and nine are the most difficult tables for the kids to memorize and calculate. Using the following techniques will enable your child to master these too.
Since each of the techniques has advantages and disadvantages, it is recommended to use a number of techniques simultaneously.

Memorizing Exercises
The simplest way to remember exercises is by memorizing. In this method the child receives 5 - 10 exercises including the answers. The child then reads them repeatedly and attempts to memorize them. When he/she is ready, test him/her either orally or in writing with a time limit.
Advantage - Time saving. The child memorizes the multiplication table quickly.
Disadvantage - This is a boring way to learn the multiplication table. With the same speed that your child memorized the exercises, he/she will forget them, if they are not used in exercises.

Memory Game
Prepare a memory game consisting of a small number of pairs of cards, which have an exercise on one card, and the solution on the other. Play the game until the child has mastered these exercises, and gradually add more exercises until it includes all of the exercises in the multiplication table.
Advantage - Through play, the child will cooperate gladly and have fun in the learning process.
Disadvantage - Requires more time for learning.
Calculation With the Aid of Fingers
The 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 times tables can be calculated with the aid of fingers. Place your hands on the table and spread your fingers.Each finger has a numerical value from 6 to 10: The thumb = 6 ,the index finger = 7, the middle finger - 8, the ring finger = 9 and the little finger = 10.

How Do You Calculate?
Let’s presume we wish to calculate the exercise 7 x 8. We will count on one hand until 7, beginning with the thumb which represents the number 6, and we will fold the two fingers down. We will count on the other hand until 8, beginning with the thumb which represents the number 6, and we will fold the 3 fingers down. We are left with five folded fingers on two hands (they represent 5 in the tens column), and the five unfolded fingers, two and one hand and three on the other. We will multiply the unfolded fingers - 3 x 2 and we will get the number 6 which will represent the the units column, and so the answer is 56.
Advantage - The child can easily calculate the 6 to 10 times tables.
Disadvantage - There is a concern that the child will not break away from calculating with the aid of his/her fingers.
The combination of these techniques will make your child’s task far easier. Play together, invent new games for variety, turn learning into one big and fun game, and in no time at all you will find that your child has mastered the multiplication table.

Suggested reading: “How to teach math to black students” by Shahid Muhammad.