Use the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 multiplication tables

What you will learn

• Use the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 multiplication tables

Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.

Before you start

• Share or group equally within 20

Count equal groups

Here is one plate with 4 biscuits.

1. There is 1 group, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

   Here is one plate with 4 biscuits.

   4 = 1 × 4 = 4

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

Worked example: A new example, together

What is 8 × 10?

1. 8 rows run across the picture; each row contains 10 objects.

   Count by the number in each group.

   Multiplying each part of a amount and joining the products preserves the total.

2. 8 rows run across the picture; each row contains 10 objects.

   8 × 10 means 8 groups of 10.

   What is 8 × 10?

   80

3. 8 rows run across the picture; each row contains 10 objects.

   Count in 10s, 8 times.

   8 rows of 10 = 8 × 10 = 80

4. 8 rows run across the picture; each row contains 10 objects.

   8 × 10 = 80.

   8 rows of 10 = 8 × 10 = 80

5. 8 rows run across the picture; each row contains 10 objects.

   Check the result against the question we started with.

   80 ÷ 10 = 8.

   We found 80. Multiplying each part of a amount and joining the products preserves the total.

   8 rows of 10 = 8 × 10 = 80

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

• Use the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 multiplication tables
• build multiplication facts with equal groups
• 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.