Finger Multiplication: A Simple Trick for Multiplying Numbers 6-10

Are you struggling with multiplication facts? Do you find yourself counting on your fingers to multiply numbers? There’s a fun and easy trick that can help you multiply numbers between 6 and 10 using your fingers! This method is a great way to learn multiplication facts and can be used by students of all ages.

How to Use Finger Multiplication

Here’s how it works:

1. Assign numbers to your fingers: Each finger represents a number from 6 to 10, starting with your pinky as 6 and your thumb as 10.
2. Fold down the fingers corresponding to the numbers you want to multiply: For example, if you want to multiply 7 x 8, fold down your pinky and ring finger on your left hand (representing 6 and 7) and fold down your pinky and ring finger on your right hand (representing 6 and 7).
3. Count the remaining upright fingers: Count the remaining upright fingers on both hands. In our example, you’ll have 3 fingers on your left hand and 2 fingers on your right hand.
4. Multiply the upright fingers: Multiply the number of upright fingers on each hand: 3 x 2 = 6.
5. Add the folded down fingers: Add the number of folded down fingers on both hands: 2 + 2 = 4.
6. Combine the results: Combine the two numbers you calculated: 64. Therefore, 7 x 8 = 56.

Why Does This Work?

This method works because it uses a combination of addition and multiplication. Let’s break it down:

• Folding down fingers represents subtracting from 10: Folding down a finger on your left hand represents subtracting that number from 10. For example, folding down your pinky (representing 6) means you are subtracting 6 from 10. The same applies to the right hand.
• Multiplying the upright fingers gives you the tens digit: The number of upright fingers on each hand represents the difference between 10 and the original number. Multiplying these differences gives you the tens digit of the product.
• Adding the folded down fingers gives you the units digit: Adding the number of folded down fingers on both hands gives you the units digit of the product.

Practice Makes Perfect

This finger multiplication trick may seem confusing at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to multiply numbers 6-10 quickly and easily. Try it out with different numbers and see if you can get the hang of it. You can even use this trick to help you remember multiplication facts.

Have Fun Multiplying!

Remember, math doesn’t have to be boring! Finger multiplication is a fun and engaging way to learn multiplication facts and can help you improve your math skills. So go ahead, give it a try and see how fast you can multiply!