The multiplication table is a grid with numbers ranging from 0-12, 0-10, or 0-9. The product of any two numbers can be found by looking at their intersection. Memorizing multiplication facts is important for advanced math. The US National Council of Teachers of Mathematics suggests developing personal methods for understanding multiplication problems. Some students benefit from memorization while others make observations about numbers. Teachers now reinforce both methods. Posting examples of the multiplication table at home can help children learn math facts.
The multiplication table is the familiar grid that contains an x quadrant, ranging from 0-12, 0-10, or 0-9, and an ay quadrant with numbers in the same range. The product of any two numbers can be found by looking at the intersection of x and y. For example, if you wanted to find 8 X 2, you would simply look at the 8 and move down to the 2 space, to find the number 16. Alternatively, since order doesn’t affect simple multiplication, you could find the number 2 and count until you reach its intersection with the number 8.
The products of the intersection of numbers would be listed in several places in the table. In a simple 0-9 multiplication table, the number 16 would be listed 3 times. You will find it at the intersection of 8.2, 2.8 and 4.4.
Many primary school math programs insist on memorizing the multiplication table or knowing “time tables”. Actually, although the reference is to the multiplication table, students may never use the real multiplication table. Instead, they can simply store the multiplication facts in order. The multiplication table is sometimes seen as a crutch, because students can use it without memorizing the facts, or alternatively, they can use a calculator. Early grades may display large times tables in a classroom, but by grade 3 and up, most classes no longer display them or teachers cover them up in testing so students don’t use them for multiplication problems.
There has been a decline in the use of the multiplication table since 1989, when the US National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) suggested that students develop their own methods for understanding multiplication problems. This tip hasn’t entirely solved the problem of memorizing multiplication, as some students don’t seem to develop their own methods. Some students seem better served by actual memorization, while others may be able to make observations about numbers that help them keep in mind how to solve each problem.
In truth, knowing your multiplication data often makes more advanced math easier. There is a direct correlation between declining math grades and an inability to memorize multiplication facts, especially from 1-9 X 1-9. Failure to understand such facts often makes advanced concepts such as long division extremely difficult. Some teachers now try to use some of the tips given by the NCTM and also reinforce memorization. The NCTM revised their statements to emphasize the importance of memorizing basic math facts, after a large body of evidence suggested that de-emphasis had led to more problems with math.
If your child has trouble memorizing math facts, it doesn’t hurt to have a few examples of the multiplication table posted at home. The ceiling above a child’s bed can be an excellent place to put one, and children’s bathrooms are good places too. This can help your child find patterns and get better at learning math facts, simply because they have more exposure to the multiplication table. You can buy large, inexpensive tables at teacher supply stores, bookstores, and on the Internet. You can even make your own with a child, to reinforce learning about math facts.
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