Multiplication Trick - 9 Times Tables

Here is a little multiplication trick I learned from a teacher in primary school. It shows you how to remember the 9 times table all the way up to 9 x 10.

To use this simple multiplication trick, you just need to count on your fingers and the answer will be supplied to you!

Ok, so let's say I want to work out

2 x 9

1. Open your two hands and spread your fingers out, palms down. 
2. Start counting from the pinky finger of your left hand. Count two fingers.
3. Bend the second finger down. 
4. Look at your hands. You should have 1 finger upright, then a gap, followed by 8 upright fingers. So the answer to 2 x 9 is 1 and 8, or 18.

Let's try again. This time we'll look at 

6 x 9

Again, the steps are:

1. Open your two hands and spread your fingers out, palms down. 
2. Start counting from the pinky finger of your left hand. Count 6 fingers.
3. Bend the sixth finger down. This should be the thumb of your right hand.
4. Look at your hands. You should have 5 fingers upright, then a gap, followed by 4 upright fingers. So the answer to 6 x 9 is 5 and 4, or 54.

There you go, it's as simple as that!

Another handy tip to check that you have the right answer: 

IF YOU ADD THE TWO DIGITS IN YOUR RESULT, THEY SHOULD EQUAL 9!

Let's check:

2 x 9 = 18

1 + 8 = 9    

6 x 9 = 54

5 + 4 = 9

These multiplication tricks are very handy when working on the 9 times tables, but remember that they only work up to 9 x 10.