A fun way to learn your times tables

Learning can be fun! Here is a fun way to learn your times tables. If a multiple of a number is always in the same position, we can remember where to find it.

“A problem well put or illustrated is a problem half solved” – John Dewey.

Times tables - worksheet

The Multiplier

The multipliers 1 to 9 are ordered in the 9 fixed positions – each having a unique colour.

multipliers
Multipliers
Multiplier structure within identical Structure
3x3 order within same 3x3 order

Location

Location, location! We learn and remember where numbers are positioned.

Every multiplier (1 to 9) holds a unique position. For example, when we multiply by ONE, the answer will always be in the TOP LEFT position. Similarly, when we multiply by NINE, the answer will always be in the BOTTOM RIGHT position. 

1x  

Candle shape one
position - times 1 and 1 times
x1 TOP LEFT
One -always top left position
Always TOP LEFT

2x

Swan shape two
position - times 2 and 2 times
x2 MIDDLE LEFT
Two - always middle left position
Always MIDDLE LEFT

3x

Heart shape three
position - times 3 and 3 times
x3 BOTTOM LEFT
Three - always bottom left position
Always BOTTOM LEFT

4x

Sailing boat shape four
position - times 4 and 4 times
x4 TOP MIDDLE
Four - always top middle position
Always TOP MIDDLE

5x

Snake shape five
position - times 5 and 5 times
x5 MIDDLE MIDDLE
Five - always middle middle position
Always MIDDLE MIDDLE

6x

Cherry shape six
position - times 6 and 6 times
x6 BOTTOM MIDDLE
Six - always bottom middle position
Always BOTTOM MIDDLE

7x

Flag shape seven
position - times 7 and 7 times
x7 TOP RIGHT
Seven - always top right position
Always TOP RIGHT

8x

Snowman shape eight
position - times 8 and 8 times
x8 MIDDLE RIGHT
Eight - always middle right position
Always MIDDLE RIGHT

9x

Balloon shape nine
position - times 9 and 9 times
x9 BOTTOM RIGHT
Nine - always bottom right position
Always BOTTOM RIGHT

The images are associated with the numbers. If preferred, we can choose our own images that we remember best. To view some ideas, see VARIATIONS.

Image and colour associated with each number
9 Images, 9 positions, 9 colours

Multiplier,position, colour and image combined

Each of the 9 positions is specific to a unique multiplier, colour and image.

Location location
Number and position
Each number associated with a Colour
Number and colour
Number colour and image
Number and image
Times table - layout
Times table - layout

How to learn

We learn one set of multiplication tables at a time. Initially we focus only on a 9×9 formation.

Eventually, we will know the entire structure and associate numbers according to position, colour and image.

visual multiplication
9x9 structure
9x9 structure with images in each 3x3 structure

For some interesting facts about symmetry, square numbers and relative relationships visit our page on symmetry.

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