Multiplication The Shortcut
Multiplication is repeated addition, but faster. If a chai shop sells one cup of doodh patti for 50 rupees, and a customer wants 7 cups for his table, the boy at the counter does not write 50 plus 50 plus 50 plus 50 plu…
There is more than one way to understand this. If you have only been taught one, you have been taught less than you deserve.
There is more than one way to understand this. If you have only been taught one, you have been taught less than you deserve.
Multiplication is repeated addition, but faster. If a chai shop sells one cup of doodh patti for 50 rupees, and a customer wants 7 cups for his table, the boy at the counter does not write 50 plus 50 plus 50 plus 50 plus 50 plus 50 plus 50. He thinks 7 times 50, and says 350 rupees in two seconds.
The tables from 2 to 12 are the multiplication ladder every Pakistani student climbs. Once you memorise them, you no longer count, you just know. Two times eight is sixteen. Seven times nine is sixty three. Eleven times twelve is one hundred and thirty two. The brain does not have to work for these.
Tables have patterns. Multiples of 5 always end in 0 or 5. Multiples of 10 always end in 0. Multiples of 9 up to 90 have digits that add to 9: 18, 27, 36, 45. Multiples of 11 up to 99 are doubled digits: 11, 22, 33, 44. Patterns help you check your answer.
Today's habit. Pick one table you are slow on, say the 7 table. Write it on a small card. Stick the card on the fridge or your school bag. Recite it once in the morning and once at night for one week. By Friday it will be in your bones.
Estimated time: 14 min