Multiplication is repeated addition.
But what does it mean to multiply by 8?
Let's say you invite 8 friends over to play.
You're thinking of baking cookies.
If you want each friend to have 3 cookies, how many cookies do you need to prepare?
You'll find the answer if you multiply by 8. 😀
Multiplying by 8 is the same as skip counting by a number 8 times. Or you can also think of it as adding 8 equal groups.
So what's 8 x 3?
Let's skip count 3, eight times:
3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24
So 8 x 3 = 24!
Tip: if skip counting by one factor is too hard, try the other factor. 🤓
Let's try skip counting by 8, three times:
8, 16, 24!
Again we see that 8 x 3 = 24!
You can use skip counting for multiplication, but it's slow.
The best way is for you to memorize your multiplication facts!
This is the multiplication table for 8.
Did you notice a pattern?
Look at the answers for 1 to 10.
😀 The digits in the Ones place go down by 2.
It starts from 8 and it goes all the way down to 0.
Then, it starts back at 8, and goes all the way down to 0 again. 😉
Did you notice another pattern?
That's right!
😀 All the answers are even numbers.
When you multiply by 8, you double a number 3 times.
To double a number means to multiply it by 2.
This works because 2 x 2 x 2 = 8!
Let's say you need to multiply this:
4 x 8 = ?
It's the same as:
4 x 2 x 2 x 2 = ?
👉 First, multiply 4 by 2.
4 x 2 = 8
👉 Then, multiply your answer by 2 again.
8 x 2 = 16
👉 Finally, multiply your answer by 2 for the third time.
16 x 2 = 32
4 x 8 = 32! 🚑
Let's try another example.
Multiply this:
8 x 5 = ?
What's your answer?
Great work!
It's 40! 😀
Which way did you use to figure out the answer? 😎
Remember that memorizing the multiplication table is your most useful tool.
Now, complete the practice. It'll help you master your multiplication facts. By the time you're finished, you'll know them all by heart. ⚡️