Primary 3 maths · Operations · About 10 minutes
Recall the 6, 7, 8 and 9 multiplication tables
Build the array, then read it along each side and back again.
Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity
What you will learn
- Recall the 6, 7, 8 and 9 multiplication tables
Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.
Before you start
Count equal groups
Here is one plate with 4 biscuits.
There is 1 group, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.
Here is one plate with 4 biscuits.
An array of 6 rows of 7 shows 6 × 7 = 42 and 7 × 6 = 42, and also 42 ÷ 6 = 7 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
4 = 1 × 4 = 4
There are 2 groups, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.
A second plate has another 4. Both groups are the same size.
4 + 4 = 2 × 4 = 8
There are 3 groups, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.
With three plates, we have three groups of four.
4 + 4 + 4 = 12
4 + 4 + 4 = 3 × 4 = 12
3 rows run across the picture; each row contains 4 objects.
We can turn the arrangement into rows. Every biscuit is still here.
3 × 4 = 12
3 rows of 4 = 3 × 4 = 12
What did the picture help us see?
We can turn the arrangement into rows. Every biscuit is still here.
Worked example: A new example, together
Calculate 10 × 6.
10 rows of 6 = 10 × 6 = 60
10 rows run across the picture; each row contains 6 objects.
Build the array, then read it along each side and back again.
Multiplying each part of a amount and joining the products preserves the total.
10 rows run across the picture; each row contains 6 objects.
10 is 1 tens.
Calculate 10 × 6.
60
10 rows run across the picture; each row contains 6 objects.
10 is 1 tens.
10 rows of 6 = 10 × 6 = 60
10 rows run across the picture; each row contains 6 objects.
1 × 6 = 6, so 10 × 6 is 6 tens.
10 rows of 6 = 10 × 6 = 60
10 rows run across the picture; each row contains 6 objects.
6 tens = 60.
10 rows of 6 = 10 × 6 = 60
10 rows run across the picture; each row contains 6 objects.
Check the result against the question we started with.
60 ÷ 6 = 10.
We found 60. Multiplying each part of a amount and joining the products preserves the total.
10 rows of 6 = 10 × 6 = 60
Common mistakes to discuss
- Learning each fact separately. One array gives four facts. 6 × 7 = 42 also tells us 7 × 6 = 42, 42 ÷ 6 = 7 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
Check your understanding
- Recall the 6, 7, 8 and 9 multiplication tables
- recall a table fact together with the division facts that come with it
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
Try this lesson →Related Primary 3 lessons
- Add and subtract up to four-digit numbersAdd and subtract up to four-digit numbers · About 10 minutes
- Mentally add and subtract two-digit numbersMentally add and subtract two-digit numbers · About 10 minutes
- Interpret remaindersInterpret remainders · About 10 minutes
- Multiply up to three digits by one digitMultiply up to three digits by one digit · About 10 minutes
- Divide up to three digits by one digitDivide up to three digits by one digit · About 10 minutes