Multiplication Year 1 & 2

Multiplication Year 1 & 2 for kids. Maths homework help for children in Key Stage 1 (KS1) Maths at Primary School. Maths homework help.

Pick a level

Times Tables

In Year 1 & 2 you should learn the 2 times table, 5 times table and 10 times table. Knowing these by heart will help you solve math problems much faster as you move up through school.

Counting in groups

Before you start multiplying with symbols, practice skip counting out loud. This means counting up from zero in steps of 2s, 5s, or 10s instead of 1s. It helps your brain get used to the patterns and rhythm of the times tables.

Let's count in 2s up to 20:

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20

What is multiplication?

Multiplying is just repeated addition, which means adding the same number over and over again. Instead of writing out a really long addition sum, we use the multiplication sign (X) as a shortcut.

10 x 4 = 40

It is also the same as:

10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 40

Multiplication words

You will hear different words used in school, such as 'multiply', 'times', or 'lots of'. These all mean the same thing and tell you to use the X sign.

2 multiply by 4 equals 8

2 times by 4 equals 8

2 lots of 4 equals 8

2 x 4 = 8

Working out multiplication sums

To work out a multiplication sum first find the number you can count in.

10 x 3

Lets count in tens as this is the easiest. Now count in tens using three fingers on your hand. What have we got to?

Yes, the answer is 30.

10 x 3 = 30

Multiplying in any order

A multiplication sum can be done in any order and you will still get the exact same answer. This is a fantastic trick! If you get stuck on a tricky times table sum, you can just flip the numbers around to make it easier.

3 x 2 gives the same answer as 2 x 3

You can either count in twos three times (2, 4, 6) or count in threes two times (3, 6). Both paths lead to the number 6!

Easy ways to do multiplication sums

When you are first learning to multiply, you do not have to do it all in your head. There are three fun and easy ways you can draw or build your sums to help you find the right answer:

• Multiplication boxes
• Arrays with objects
• Jumps on a number line

Try each of these methods below to see which one works best for you.

Using multiplication boxes

Multiplication boxes are like drawing a row of little present boxes to help you see a maths sum! You draw one long box, cut it into equal parts, and put the same number inside each part.

5 x 3

1. Draw a long box.
2. Split it into 3 parts.
3. Write the number 5 inside each part.
4. Now count in fives. 5, 10, 15.
5. The total for all the boxes is 15 .

5 x 3 = 15

Making arrays with objects

When you first start multiplying, it helps to use real objects like blocks, buttons, or counters. You can arrange them into neat, even rows and columns. In maths, this grid of objects is called an array (say a-ray).

Looking at an array helps you see how equal groups fit together.

To show 2 x 4, you can make or draw 2 rows with 4 dots in each row.

Count them up: 4 + 4 = 8

Jumping on a number line

A number line is a brilliant tool to help you see a maths sum. Multiplication is just making equal-sized jumps along the line to reach a bigger number.

2 x 5 can be drawn on a number line in 5 jumps of 2.

Also on Super Brainy Beans