How can we get the times tables right?

      Think of a rectangular bunch of boxes or of the area of a rectangle.

      To multiply 3 x 7, think of a rectangle that is 3 by 7. Let each [ ] be a square in that rectangle.

	            7
	  [][][][][][][]
	  [][][][][][][] 3
	  [][][][][][][]

 7
+7
 7
---
21

There are 21 square boxes.
The area is 21 square units.
The answer to 3 x 7 is 21.

      Examine the times tables below and use them to find 3 x 7.

      Notice also that the 21 box in the times tables also marks the 21st box when you count each box. There are 21 boxes. The area of the rectangle is 21 square boxes. 3 x 7 = 21.

      Here are the times tables for 2 x 12.

      The 24 box in the times tables also marks the 24th box when you count each box. There are 24 boxes. The area of the rectangle is 24 square boxes. 2 x 12 = 24.

      You may find another short cut. You may wish to print the times tables sheet linked through the picture below to practice or test yourself on the times tables up through 13 x 15.