How to read a multiplication chart
Find the first number in the top row and the second number in the left column. Follow the column down and the row across: the box where they meet is the product. For 6 × 8, go across the 6 row to the 8 column and you find 48.
Patterns worth pointing out
- The diagonal (highlighted) holds the square numbers: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 and so on.
- The chart is symmetric across that diagonal, because 3 × 7 is the same as 7 × 3. Once a child knows that, there are only about half as many facts to learn.
- Each row counts by its number: the 5 row goes 5, 10, 15, 20; the 9 row's digits always add up to 9 up to 9 × 10.
Using a blank chart
Filling in a blank multiplication chart is a great review: children see the patterns as they go, and notice which facts they still have to work out. Time it once a week and watch the time go down.