Tricky Tuesday Times Tables: Dressed Up to the Nines

Everybody had to face the drudgery of chanting times tables. For many it was all a matter of rote learning.

Some of the tables have pretty cool facts to help us learn them. The 4x is the 2x doubled, obviously. There are plenty of fun facts about 3s. But none are more fascinating than the 9s.

We all struggled with this one, so let's make it a bit more fun, then.

Ever reducing/increasing circles

This picture shows it all, really. The "Tens" begin at 0 and then simply climb up 1 at a time. Meanwhile, their fellow units work the opposite score by reducing by 1.

If we stop and think about it, there is sense in this, since 9 is only 1 less than 10. Of course the total should reduce in units by 1 each time.

What this image doesn't make clear, however, is the extra nugget of joy that the 9x hides.

Try adding the tens and the units together. For example, in 9 x 6:

9 x 6 = 54 so 5 + 4 = 9

Try another:

9 x 3 = 27 so 2 + 7 = 9

We could even jump to 9 x 24 = 216 so 2 + 1 + 6 = 9.

How does this help us in the real world?
To be completely honest, it's difficult to think of any real-world application of this trick of the 9s that is genuinely of any value.

Except one.

Try this with a young child, maybe aged 8 or above, when they are struggling to memorise their tables. Present it to them as the "Magic" of maths and enthuse them with excitement. Let them feel the joy of discovery, the empowerment of the clever trick they can wow their friends and family with. Pot a black hat on, give them a cape and a magic wand, and let them perform their trick.

The gift of the joy of learning is one of the greatest gifts you can give any child. 

Even maths can get dressed up to the nines if it is allowed to go the right party.

Why not explore a wide range of our Times Tables Cards and other games. Make maths more approachable, fun, and it becomes more memorable with ease. Click HERE to find out more.