✖️ Multiplication Tables
Time to master the trickier times tables — 6×, 7×, 8×, and 9×. With the right strategies, you'll know them all!
6️⃣ The 6 Times Table
The 6 times table can be tricky! A helpful strategy: 6 × number = 5 × number + 1 × number.
Strategy for 6×7: 5×7=35, then 35+7=42. So 6×7=42!
7️⃣ 8️⃣ The 7× and 8× Tables
7 Times Table
8 Times Table
Memory trick: 5, 6, 7, 8 → 5×6=7×8... wait no! 7×8=56. Think "seven eights are fifty-six!"
9️⃣ The 9 Times Table — Finger Trick!
Hold out all 10 fingers. To multiply by 9, fold down the finger matching the number you multiply by.
Example: 9 × 4
Hold up 10 fingers. Fold down finger 4 (4th from left). You have 3 fingers to the left and 6 to the right.
3 tens and 6 ones = 36. So 9 × 4 = 36 ✅
Pattern: digits always add up to 9!
Worked Examples
Example 1: 6 × 8 using the split strategy
6 × 8 = (5 × 8) + (1 × 8) = 40 + 8 = 48
6 × 8 = 48 ✅
Example 2: 9 × 7 using the digit pattern
The tens digit is 7−1=6, the ones digit makes it sum to 9: 9−6=3. So 9×7=63.
9 × 7 = 63 ✅
Example 3: Real-world problem
There are 8 tables in a classroom and 7 chairs at each table. How many chairs altogether?
8 × 7 = 56
There are 56 chairs altogether. ✅
Key Vocabulary
The result of multiplying a number by a whole number. E.g. 6, 12, 18 are multiples of 6.
The answer to a multiplication. E.g. the product of 6 and 7 is 42.
Numbers you multiply together. E.g. 6 and 7 are factors of 42.
A list of multiples of a particular number.
Knowledge Check
Question 1: What is 6 × 7?
Question 2: What is 8 × 9?
Question 3: What is 7 × 7?
Question 4: Using the 9× digit pattern — the digits of 9×6 should add up to what?
Question 5: A spider has 8 legs. How many legs do 6 spiders have altogether?
Pax Says:
"Practise 3 facts a day until they feel automatic. Use the strategies — split 6s, finger trick for 9s — and soon you won't need to think!"
Key Concepts Summary
- ✓ 6× strategy: split as 5× + 1×. Example: 6×8 = 40+8 = 48.
- ✓ 8× strategy: double the 4× table. Example: 8×7 = 2×(4×7) = 2×28 = 56.
- ✓ 9× pattern: digits always add to 9. Use the finger trick to check.
- ✓ Multiplication is commutative: 7×8 = 8×7 = 56.