Multiplication Problems for Kids: Math Problems and Answers

What Are Some Tricks for Solving Multiplication Problems?

First and foremost, be sure your child knows that the order of numbers in a multiplication problem doesn't matter. For example, 6 x 7 = 42 and 7 x 6 = 42. This can cut the number of facts that he or she has to learn in half. You also might note the following tips that relate to times tables for specific numbers:

• Solve the two times tables by doubling. As long as your child knows his or her addition facts, he or she should be able to solve the twos facts quickly. For example, 2 x 7 = 14, just as 7 + 7 = 14.
• Think of the four times tables as doubling a number twice. For example, 4 x 4 = 16, but your child can think of this problem as 4 x 2 = 8 x 2 = 16.
• Solving the five times tables is as easy as counting by fives. For example, for the problem 5 x 3, your child can count up by five three times (5, 10, 15). Most kids learn to count by fives in second grade. If your child needs extra practice counting by fives, you might have him or her practice counting while on long car trips or come up with a helpful song.
• When multiplying by ten, simply add a zero to the end of the number. Consider the problem 10 x 6. The answer is 60, which is just a six with a zero attached.
• For the 11 times tables, think about multiplying by one twice. For instance, 4 x 1 = 4 and 4 x 11 = 44.

Sample Multiplication Problems and Answers

1. 2 x 5

If your child recognizes that 5 + 5 = 10, this problem should be relatively easy for him or her. For the two times tables, you're simply adding a number to itself.

2. 4 x 8

Your child don't necessarily have to memorize this fact to know the answer. Instead, he or she can think of the problem like this: 8 x 2 = 16 x 2 = 32. In other words, he or she can double the number twice.

3. 5 x 6

If it's easier for your child, have him or her count by five six times to solve this problem. The answer is 30.

4. There are 10 members in a book group. If each person brings three snacks, how many snacks will they have?

It's useful to include word problems when practicing multiplication at home because they often appear on tests. For this problem, your child should multiply 10 x 3, which equals 30. You might remind him or her that an easy way to solve the ten times tables is to add a zero, so 3 becomes 30.