By:

Andy Nelson

Multiplication FactsMade Easy

Breaking down the numbers to make it

easier…Instructions:1. Press the down arrow on your

keyboard to move from step to step.

2. Use the up arrow if you want to go back

The numbers you multiply are called factors.

5 x 2 = 10

8 x 3 = 24

4 x 4 = 16

The answer to a multiplication problem is the product.

6 x 2 = 12

3 x 5 = 15

4 x 6 = 24

Don’t you think it is easier to multiply when one of the factors is

a 2, 5, or 10?

It is easier…much easier. You most likely have mastered skip-counting by 2, 5, and 10. Go ahead, try it in your head right now, by 2’s, then 5’s, and 10’s.

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, …

5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, …

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, …

Since it is easier to skip count by 2, 5, and 10 let’s break down (decompose) a larger number to an easier number to multiply with.

• Lets look at the fact 8 x 7 = __• You could make this problem easier by breaking

down (decomposing) the 8 into a 5 and a 3.

Example: 8 = 5 + 3

5 x 7 = 35

3 x 7 = 21Once you break down (decompose) the 8 you multiply each part by the other factor (7).

Then you add the two products together 35 + 21 = 56

Let’s Practice

Try multiplying by decomposing the 12 in this equation: 12 x 6 = __

1. 12 = 10 + 2

2. Multiply 10 and 2 by the other factor (6) 10 x 6 = __, and 2 x 6 = __

3. Add the products of the above equations to get your answer: 60 + 12 = 72

4. 12 x 6 = 72

Instructions: Complete each step on paper then hit the down arrow

Practice makes perfect

1. 8 x 8 = ___

5 x 8 = ___ and 3 x 8 = ___

____ + ____ = ____

2. 12 x 9 = ___

10 x 9 = ___ and 2 x 9 = ___

____ + ____ = ____

Congratulations!