Learn the idea
You can build multiplication facts from facts you already know. Doubling, counting in equal steps, and splitting one factor all help you explain a product.
- Choose a fact you know.
- Split a factor into helpful parts.
- Add the partial products and check the total.
LET’S WORK IT OUT
Worked example
Find 7 × 6 using 5 × 6 and 2 × 6.
30 + 12 = 42
Seven groups can be split into five groups and two groups. Both groups still contain six items.
A mistake to watch for
When splitting a factor, keep the other factor the same in both products.
Helpful skills to know first
YOUR TURN
Try three practice questions
Enter your answer, then check the explanation. You can also open each explanation to study it. These three questions check understanding; they are not a mastery score.
Question 1
What is 6 × 4?
Answer and explanation
24 — Use 5 × 4 = 20, then add one more group of four.
Question 2
What is 8 × 7?
Answer and explanation
56 — Use 4 × 7 = 28 and double it.
Question 3
What is 9 × 6?
Answer and explanation
54 — Use 10 × 6 = 60, then remove one group of six.
For parents and teachers
Practice a few related facts and ask how one fact helps with the next.
Ask your learner to explain the method before moving on. This lesson covers one focused skill and is not a complete curriculum assessment.