Whether you are a teacher or student, approach the process of learning the multiplication tables as a challenge that is fun and interesting. Begin with the simple zero, one and two times tables.You can easily remember that the result of any number times zero is zero, any number multiplied by one equals itself, and multiplication by two is a number added to itself.
A genuine hands-on tip for learning the five times tables is to count your fingers on either hand as the number five. For example, one hand is five, two is ten and three fifteen. Learning the ten times tables can be a hands-on experience as well. Consider two hands as ten and four as twenty. Ten times tables answers can also be calculated simply by placing a number multiplied by ten in front of a zero. For example, 10 x 2 = 20, or the 2 placed in front of the 0. A simple tip for learning the eleven times table is: the number multiplied by eleven is repeated. For example, 11 x 3 is the number 3 repeated, or 33.
Students should know that multiplication is high-speed addition. Using quick addition, the three times table can be learned by repetition and memorization of the sequence of threes on your fingers. For example, three is one finger and six is two fingers. If you want to learn 3 x 3, for example, count three fingers to get nine. A tip for learning the four times table is utilize high-speed addition to double and double again. For example, 4 x 6 is six doubled and doubled again. A good time-saving tip is knowing that multiplication is commutative, thus cutting the number of multiplication tables you need to learn in half. In other words, knowing 7 x 3 = 3 x 7) takes care of a three times and a seven times table entry.
As difficult and frustrating as they may be, memorization and practice are the most potent methods for learning the multiplication tables. The following tips can be helpful. Print a copy of the general (ones through 12s) multiplication table. Look it over often and begin to visualize it. You can make multiple copies of the table and place them in rooms around the house. At a certain point in time you may visually memorize the table. If you're sound oriented, try repeating out loud the tables you have trouble with. You might make a song such as "7 times 6 is 42...how I love the ocean blue..." to help you remember.
Writing multiplication table equations repeatedly as a drill is effective in helping to memorize the tables. Go online--there are websites that provide fun drills and games to help you learn. You can also make a set of flash cards for some or all of the table equations and test yourself, or have a friend or family member test you. The combination of tips, memorization and practice will help you learn, and retain for life, the multiplication tables.