The Double Double Trick (x4)
If you need to multiply any number by 4, don't try to memorize it. Just double the number, and then double it again. This works for huge numbers too!
✏️ Worked Example
Calculate 15 × 4
- 1Step 1: Double 15. (15 + 15 = 30)
- 2Step 2: Double the result. (30 + 30 = 60)
✓ 15 × 4 = 60
The Half of Ten Trick (x5)
Because 5 is exactly half of 10, there's a brilliant shortcut for the 5 times table. Simply multiply the number by 10 (add a zero), and then cut it in half.
✏️ Worked Example
Calculate 24 × 5
- 1Step 1: Multiply by 10. (24 × 10 = 240)
- 2Step 2: Cut it in half. (Half of 240 is 120)
✓ 24 × 5 = 120
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Notice that every answer in the 5 times table ends in either a 5 or a 0. If you multiply an even number by 5, it ends in 0. If you multiply an odd number by 5, it ends in 5.
Practice these tricks with our printable cheat sheets!
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