Maths Topics
Dictionary
Commutative property It makes no difference in which order two numbers are multiplied. The commutative property does not apply to division
Factor One of two or more numbers that are multiplied together to obtain a product. Factors are whole numbers which can be divided exactly into a given number.
Multiple A multiple of a number is the product of that number and an integer.
Multiplication An operation on two numbers that tells how many in all. The first number is the number of sets and the second number tells how many in each set. When multiplying we use the times sign 'x'.
Multiplication games & exercises
Multiplication is commutative. This means that you can do multiplication (as with addition) in any order. 'Five sets of eight' has the same result as 'eight sets of five'.
But when you combine multiplication with another operation (see our first year 5 multiplication exercise), you have to be careful when you multiply. BODMAS, the nifty name that helps you remember order of operations, goes like this:
Brackets, Other, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
If in doubt, when multiplication is mixed up in an equation with other operations, follow BODMAS!
Learn how to multiply with our games and exercises below. Click an image to load the lesson in a new window, or subscribe to Maths-Whizz to get access to more than 120 multiplication and times-tables lessons.
Year 2 Multiplication
Understand multiplication as repeated addition
See if you can catch the birds and the dragonflies, helpfully arranged in sets. Count the sets to write two different, but identical, multiplications. Beware, the birds have the last laugh!
Recognise use of symbols as unknown numbers
Find the missing number under the flap. You've not got the most handsome of assistants, but give him the right answer and the door will come creaking open...
Year 3 Multiplication
Multiplication can be done in any order
It's an insect army with this exercise. Count the flies, ladybirds and other creatures in sets to find the total.
Multiply by 10 and 100
Punk Dog, Panda and the rabbits team up to teach you multiplication by 10 and 100. It's maths, but with magic wands and sparkly outfits!
Year 4 Multiplication
Partitioning
Partitioning - a great way to cut up multiplication questions into bite-sized chunks; like cutting up your food before you swallow it, like you ought to do...
Use closely related facts to mutiply by 9 or 11
Use partitioning and multiplying by 10 skills to get the total price of the goodies on the tray. Do it before everything melts!
Year 5 Multiplication
Learning how to use brackets
Tortoise is skating on thin ice. It's a wonder he can skate at all, but if you struggle with these calculations, he'll carve out handy brackets in the ice.
Use closely related facts to mutiply by 19 or 21
Take the skills learned in Year 4 to the next level, and qualify to work the cashier at Victoria station in one fell swoop with this multiplication exercise.
Year 6 Multiplication
Multiply a decimal by a single digit
"Multiplying by a decimal does WHAT to an integer?" Our sources tell us this is a common question in the playground, so now you can be the envy of Year 6 with this exercise.
Using closely related facts
Garden gnomes are bad at maths, it's probably because their brains are made of clay. Help this gardening gnome work out the value of his flowers. He has a tax return to fill!
Year 7 Multiplication
Understand operations on integers and decimals
What happens when you apply the four operations to the same pair of numbers? Find out with this exercise, and get some fireworks into the bargain.
Multiply 3-digit x 2-digit whole numbers (grid)
The grid method of multiplication is not the most efficient, but it's a great way of showing how to break up and recombine large numbers in a calculation. Give it a try.
Year 8 Multiplication
Use the laws of arithmetic
When the Clash sang about fighting the law, and the law winning, it's likely they were talking about the laws of arithmetic - FOR THEY ARE UNBREAKABLE! See for yourself.
Use standard column procedures for multip...
The fairy wants you to multiply. Now be a good Year Eighter and give these column procedures a shot, but keep an eye on the carry numbers.