How to Easily Memorize the Multiplication Table I Math Tips and Tricks with Art Benjamin, by The Great Courses on YouTube. 3 min 52 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 52 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Write the 11 times table from 1 x 11 to 9 x 11 on paper. Say each answer out loud so the pattern sticks.
Notice the pattern for single digits times 11: the digit appears twice, so 4 x 11 is 44 and 7 x 11 is 77.
For a two-digit number times 11, split the digits and put their sum in the middle. For 23 x 11, the 2 and 3 go on the ends and 2 + 3 = 5 sits between them, giving 253.
If the middle sum is 10 or more, carry the 1 to the left digit. For 67 x 11, 6 + 7 = 13, so the answer is 737.
Practice ten two-digit times 11 problems on paper, then check each answer with a calculator.
Drill the harder table facts you keep missing, such as 7 x 8 and 6 x 9, by writing each one three times and saying the answer.
Test yourself daily for a week by covering the answers on a table chart and reciting each row from memory.
Tips and common mistakes
Say the answer out loud as you write it, since hearing it helps recall more than reading alone.
Practice in short daily sessions of 10 to 15 minutes rather than one long cram session.
When the middle sum carries over, add the 1 to the left digit, not the right one.
Questions
Does the 11 trick work for three-digit numbers?
Yes. Split the outer digits and add neighbouring pairs for the middle digits, carrying where a sum passes 9. For 123 x 11 the answer is 1353.
How long does it take to memorize the times tables?
With short daily practice, most people see solid recall within a few weeks. Focus on the facts you miss most rather than repeating the easy ones.
Do I still need to learn the full table if I know tricks?
Yes. Tricks speed up some facts, but quick recall of every fact from 1 x 1 to 12 x 12 comes from repeated practice.
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.
