Learn the Times Table Trick with Your Fingers

Memorizing multiplication tables can be a chore, but there’s a fun and easy trick that can help you learn the times tables for numbers 6 through 10 using your fingers. This method is visual and engaging, making it a great way to learn and remember multiplication facts.

The Finger Trick

Here’s how it works:

1. Assign Numbers to Fingers: Imagine your hands are numbered from 6 to 10, with your pinky finger representing 6 and your thumb representing 10.
2. Fold the Correct Finger: To multiply, fold down the finger representing the first number. For example, to multiply 7 x 8, fold down your middle finger on your left hand (representing 7).
3. Count the Fingers: Now, count the fingers to the left of the folded finger. This number represents the tens digit of your answer. In our example, there are 5 fingers to the left of the folded finger, so the tens digit is 5.
4. Multiply the Remaining Fingers: Multiply the number of fingers to the right of the folded finger by the number of fingers to the left of the folded finger. In our example, there are 3 fingers to the right and 5 to the left, so 3 x 5 = 15. This is the ones digit of your answer.
5. Combine the Digits: Combine the tens digit (5) and the ones digit (15) to get the answer: 56.

Example: 8 x 9

1. Fold down the ring finger on your left hand (representing 8).

2. Count the fingers to the left of the folded finger: There are 7 fingers, so the tens digit is 7.

3. Multiply the number of fingers to the right (1) by the number of fingers to the left (7): 1 x 7 = 7. This is the ones digit.

4. Combine the tens digit (7) and the ones digit (7) to get the answer: 72.

Why Does This Work?

This trick works because it visually represents the distributive property of multiplication. When you fold down a finger, you are essentially subtracting that number from 10. The remaining fingers represent the difference between 10 and the number you are multiplying. This difference, multiplied by the other number, gives you the correct answer.

Practice Makes Perfect

Try using the finger trick to multiply different combinations of numbers between 6 and 10. With practice, you’ll be able to quickly and easily recall multiplication facts without having to rely on memorization alone. This is a fun and engaging way to learn and remember multiplication facts, making it a great tool for students of all ages.