3D · Develop strategies
Start from 5
Another powerful tool · 5 + a little more
Start with 5 groups
For 6s, 7s and 8s, split the number of groups into 5 + a small extra bit.
This is a good moment to remember that multiplication is really a shortcut for repeated addition: start with 5 equal groups, then add the extra groups you still need.
5 groups
+ up to 3 more
Calculate 6 × 9.
Split 6 into 5 + 1:
6
=
5
+
1
Now multiply 9 by each part.
6
×
9
5
×
9
1
×
9
All that remains is to add the results.
45 + 9 = 54
Calculate 7 × 8.
Split 7 into 5 + 2:
7
=
5
+
2
Now multiply 8 by each part.
7
×
8
5
×
8
2
×
8
All that remains is to add the results.
40 + 16 = 56
Calculate 8 × 8.
Split 8 into 5 + 3:
8
=
5
+
3
Now multiply 8 by each part.
8
×
8
5
×
8
3
×
8
All that remains is to add the results.
40 + 24 = 64
Start from a fact you know well. Then add only the small extra part.
Have a try
Practise 6s, 7s and 8s
7 × 8
This counts towards your Times Tables Recall progress.
📝 Learning stage: use paper, a whiteboard or a chalkboard if it helps. Work things out. This is practice for understanding — not a test of instant recall.
Use 5 + a little more if you need it.
6 = 5 + 1 · 7 = 5 + 2 · 8 = 5 + 3
6 = 5 + 1 · 7 = 5 + 2 · 8 = 5 + 3
Look how far you have come
83%
10 of 12
You have a route into almost the whole table!
You have covered ×1, ×2, ×3, ×4, ×5, ×6, ×7, ×8 and ×10.
And doubling your 6s gives you a route into ×12.
That is 10 out of 12 tables — about 83%.
They do not all have to be memorised yet. You now know ways to find the answers.
Only the 9s and 11s are left to meet. 🎉
Take a break here if you need one.
You have already learned a lot. Come back when you are ready for the 9s.
You can stop here.
Repeat this strategy as often as you need before moving on.
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