How to Memorize Tricky Multiplication Facts
Multiplication facts are like the alphabet of math, it is essential that they be memorized. Since multiplication is commutative, meaning 3 x 4 is the same as 4 x 3, it is really only necessary to memorize half of the multiplication facts up to 9. Some multiplication facts are easier to memorize than others. Let's focus on memorizing the tricky multiplication facts.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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How to Memorize Tricky Multiplication Facts
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1
Most students are taught how to count by 2's, 5's and 10's long before they are required to memorize their multiplication facts. Use this knowledge to ensure students understands the process of multiplication, that 3 x 4 means 3 groups of 4. Make sure the students recognize that multiplication is a quick way of adding.
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2
Make sure students realize that any number times zero equals zero and any number times one equals that number.
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3
Teach students how to multiply by 3. Tell the students to think about what 2 times a number is and add on. For example for 3 x 6 think about 2 x 6 = 12 plus 6 more equals 18.
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4
Teach the students how to multiply by 4. Tell the students to think about what 2 times a number is and double it. For example for 4 x 6 think 2 x 6= 12 + 12 = 24.
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5
Teach 6 x 7 = 42. Use this rhyme to help memorize this tricky multiplication fact: "Multiplication is easy 4 me 2 do. 6 x 7 = 42."
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6
Teach 6 x 8 = 48. Use this rhyme to help memorize this tricky multiplication fact: "6 and 8 went on a date. They came back as 48."
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7
Teach 7 x 7 = 49. Use this rhyme to help memorize this tricky multiplication fact: "7 x 7 = 49. You are cool, you are fine!"
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8
Teach 7 x 8 = 56. Refer to this tricky multiplication fact as the dance step because before you start dancing you say "5, 6, 7, 8" , all of these numbers appear in this fact.
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9
Teach 8 x 8 = 64. Use this rhyme to memorize this tricky multiplication fact: "I ate and I ate and got sick on the floor. 8 x 8 = 64."
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10
Demonstrate the 9's trick and encourage using it until 9's multiplication facts are memorized. For the 9's trick you place both hand, palms down, on a flat surface. If the fact is 9 x 7, you start with your pinky finger on your left hand as finger number 1 and count to your 7th finger which would be your pointer finger on your right. You put that finger down. There are 6 fingers up to the left of the one that is down and 3 fingers up to the right of the one that is down. This is a visual representation for 63 which is the answer to 9 x 7.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Write the rhymes for memorizing tricky multiplication facts on flashcards and have students create a visual representation for each incorporating the numbers as characters in the picture.
