When taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, it’s important that you have a strong grasp of your fundamentals. This includes knowing your multiplication tables by heart to help you deal with math sections of these tests. While calculators are allowed for some portions of the exam, it’s advantageous for you to know how to work through arithmetic steps quickly. This article is going to help you discover different techniques to help you master multiplication tables!
What Are Multiplication Tables and Why Are They Important?
Multiplication tables are grids that systematically showcase the result of multiplying numbers within a given range. Take a look at this multiplication chart for 4th graders that features the numbers 1 to 10 across ten columns and rows. Each cell that the row and column intersects shows the product of the two numbers.
For example, the second column shows all the results when 2 is multiplied by numbers 1 to 10. If you check where Column 2 and Row 4 intersect, you see a cell containing 8. This means that 2 x 4 = 8. The multiplication table helps you have a copy of all the products obtained by multiplying 1 to 10 with each other.
SAT and ACT allow the use of calculators more often than not in their math sections, why do you have to allot time for some multiplication table practice? While calculators can immediately give you the right answers, mastering multiplication tables help you simplify expressions and equations easily without having to pause to use your calculating device.It also helps boost your confidence as you prepare for your upcoming SAT or ACT. Mastering the multiplication table before these tests also helps improve your mental agility and help improve your math fluency. More importantly, knowing how to manipulate numbers mentally helps beyond standardized tests. It will come in handy in other classes as well as in real life!
Multiplication Table Practice: What Are Some Helpful Tips and Tricks?
Convinced to review your multiplication tables before the SAT/ACT? Don’t worry, we’ve prepared some helpful strategies for you! These strategies go beyond rote memorization, so you’ll enjoy the process of relearning and mastering the multiplication table. Even if you’re not taking any standardized tests soon, learning a new skill never hurts. Use these techniques to help you know the multiplication table by heart and quickly add this to your knowledge tools!
Using Visualization Techniques to Master Multiplication Tables
Visualization techniques can help you understand the process for each multiplication drill. This makes multiplying numbers more intuitive for you. Before attempting to memorize the multiplication table, understand how each multiplication process happens and see it as a repeated addition.
Take a look at the photo and think of each number as number beads. This means that 3 x 3 simply means piling up 3 beads, 3 times in a row. That’s a repeated addition of 3 + 3 + 3 which is equal to 9. Visualize numbers like they are beads and imagine multiplication as the number of layers you need to stack up these beads.
Take a look at the photo above for a few more examples of visualizing the multiplication of numbers using number beads. Think of 7 x 2 as 2 groups of 7 white beads. Count the total number of beads and you’ll have 7 x 2 = 14.
- 4 x 8 = 32: 4 groups of 8 red beads will give a total of 32 red beads.
- 3 x 5 = 15: 3 groups of 5 blue beads equals 15 blue beads.
- 5 x 10 = 50: 5 groups of 10 gold beads equals a total of 50 gold beads.
Applying visualization techniques like this makes mastering multiplication tables more fun. It also helps you practice the skill of understanding complex math topics through visualization. This technique is more than rote memorization, it allows you to cultivate a deeper appreciation of math rules as well.
Skip Counting to Master Multiplication Tables
Skip counting is also another helpful trick to help speed up your way through the multiplication table. In skip counting, you count through the multiples of a number using the multiplication chart. For example, to master the 2 times table, count its multiples: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and so on.
After visualizing how each multiplication rule works, write down the multiples for each times table. When you have a copy of the multiplication table with you, the row and column of each number would show its multiples.
Try to master each times table by skip counting and knowing the order of the count. Do this for each number until you reach 10. You’ll be surprised by how familiar you’ll be with all the multiples of the numbers from 1 to 10. By skip counting, you’ll also practice identifying number patterns.
Incorporating Multiplication Games and Drills
Do you easily get bored with rote memorization? Don’t worry, there is a fun way to also master your multiplication skills. One way to speed up your multiplication table mastery is through interactive multiplication games. By immersing yourself in different games, puzzles, and drills, you’ll work through the times table in no time.
The good thing about multiplication games is that you’ll be receiving feedback instantly. By immediately knowing where you went wrong, you can quickly correct what you’re doing. Some drills allow for multi-players, so you can also ask your friends to do it with you. This can also serve as a fun activity during your SAT study schedule!
Mastering Your Multiplication Through AceIt’s Practice Questions
Now that you’re ready to take on problems heavy on multiplication, maximize your time by trying out practice questions through AceIt. After mastering your multiplication table, work through SAT/ACT problems involving multiplication. With AceIt’s AI-powered chatbot, you’ll get a chance to receive personalized guidance and practice questions. If you’re struggling with a problem and hitting a block, don’t worry, AceIt can help you with hints from their virtual tutor.
Start of Your SAT and ACT Success
This is the beginning of your target SAT or ACT scores. By mastering your multiplication table, you’re one step closer to mastering the math sections of all standardized tests. Utilize helpful techniques, maximize online tools like AceIt, and be ready to try out different practice questions. More importantly, mastering your multiplication skills not just prepares you for your academic journey, but also equips you with practical life skills. It’s time to face these exams with confidence. Begin by mastering your multiplication table now!
