How to learn the 6 to 10 times tables using your fingers

What you need

• Your two hands
• A pen and paper to check answers

Steps

1. Number your fingers 6 to 10 on each hand. Start at the thumb as 6, then index 7, middle 8, ring 9 and little finger 10.

2. Pick a sum such as 7 times 8. On your left hand touch the finger numbered 7 to the finger numbered 8 on your right hand.

3. Count every finger from the touching pair down to your thumbs, on both hands. These are the tens. For 7 times 8 that gives 5 fingers, so 50.

4. Count the fingers above the touching pair on the left hand and multiply by the fingers above it on the right hand. For 7 times 8 that is 3 times 2, so 6.

5. Add the two results: 50 plus 6 makes 56. Write it down and check it against a times table chart.

6. Repeat with other pairs, like 6 times 9 or 8 times 8, until you can do the two counts without stopping.

7. Practise five sums a day for a week. Say the answer out loud before you check it.

Tips and common mistakes

Questions

Does this work for 10 times 10?

Yes. Touch both little fingers, which gives 10 tens, or 100, and no fingers above, so the answer is 100.

Why do I get the wrong answer sometimes?

The usual mistake is counting the touching fingers twice or missing one. Count slowly from the touching pair down to the thumbs on both hands.

Can I use this for the 11 and 12 times tables?

No, this method covers 6 to 10 only. For 11 and 12, use a chart or split the sum into easier parts.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.