Do you frequently feel that multiplication is difficult or time-consuming? Multiplication speed can significantly increase your confidence in arithmetic, whether you're doing problems in class or competing against the clock in a competitive exam. Fortunately, you can calculate like a genius without being one! Even large numbers can be easily handled with a few basic tips. With the help of these entertaining and clever techniques, children in grades 6 through 12 will love math a bit more and fear it much less.
Check out these 5 super-easy multiplication hacks
1. The Nines Trick: Multiplying by 9 in Seconds
Want to multiply any number by 9 quickly? Use this pattern:
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Example: 9 × 7
1st Step: Subtract 1 from the number → 7 - 1 = 6
2nd Step: What number added to 6 gives 9? That’s 3
So, 9 × 7 = 63
This trick works for single-digit numbers and gives instant results once you get used to it!
2. Double and Half Method: For Even Numbers
If one number is even, you can double one number and halve the other to make multiplication easier.
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Example: 25 × 16
1st Step: Half of 16 is 8, double 25 is 50
2nd Step: 50 × 8 = 400
This method reduces the numbers and makes multiplication mentally quicker.
Check: Top 5 Free Abacus Learning Apps
The abacus tool is used for mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, square root, and cubic root in mathematics. Learn about the top 5 free abacus learning apps for kids in 2025 so they may enhance their arithmetic skills with entertaining and engaging resources. These are the most effective for developing a strong number sense, improving focus, and making math fun at home.
3. Using the Power of 10 – Break Down the Problem
Multiplying by 10, 100, or 1000 is easy. So break difficult numbers into parts you can multiply easily.
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Example: 26 × 12
1st Step: Break 12 into 10 + 2
2nd Step: 26 × 10 = 260 and 26 × 2 = 52
3rd Step: Add them → 260 + 52 = 312
This distributive method helps you handle larger numbers in parts.
4. The Square Number Shortcut – When Numbers Are Close Together
This trick works when two numbers are equal or very close to each other.
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Example: 14 × 16
1st Step: Take average → (14 + 16) ÷ 2 = 15
2nd Step: Find difference from average: 1
3rd Step: Use: (average)² – (difference)² → 15² - 1² = 225 - 1 = 224
You’ve just multiplied 14 and 16 using a square!
Also Check: 5 Easy Abacus Techniques Every Child Should Know
It is suggested that using abacus techniques can help kids improve their arithmetic abilities and computation speed. The ancient counting device known as the abacus enhances concentration, memory, and numerical foundation, making math more pleasurable. Quick addition and subtraction are further facilitated by the use of complementary numerals, and speed and coordination are developed through appropriate finger movement. Skip counting improves multiplication as well.
5. Multiplying by 11 – Watch the Pattern
This is a magic trick especially for 2-digit numbers.
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Example: 52 × 11
1st Step: Split the digits → 5 _ 2
2nd Step: Add the digits → 5 + 2 = 7
3rd Step: Put the sum in the middle → 572
So, 52 × 11 = 572. Try it with other two-digit numbers and see the pattern unfold!
Math doesn’t always have to be about long calculations and complicated steps. With these five smart multiplication tricks, students can sharpen their mental math skills and become faster problem solvers. Keep practicing these hacks daily, and soon you’ll find multiplication much easier and a lot more fun!
Also Check:
How to Multiply 2-Digit Numbers Mentally – Step-by-Step for Kids
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