Times tables to 12 × 12

For grown-ups: this lesson in words

Years 3 to 6 · Maths

Times tables to 12 × 12: I can recall times table facts to 12 × 12, and the division facts that go with them.

1. Here are 3 rows of apples. Each row has 4 apples.

   Count in 4s, one row at a time: 4, 8, 12.

   3 × 4 = 12

   Picture: An array of 3 rows of 4 apples. The rows are counted in 4s: 4, 8 and 12.

2. Now the same 12 apples are in 4 rows of 3.

   Count in 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12.

   4 × 3 = 12

   Picture: An array of 4 rows of 3 apples. The rows are counted in 3s: 3, 6, 9 and 12.

3. The same 12 apples. Now read down the columns: 3 columns of 4.

   Count in 4s, one column at a time: 4, 8, 12.

   3 × 4 = 12 and 4 × 3 = 12

   4 rows of 3, or 3 columns of 4: the same 12 apples. Swap the numbers and the answer stays the same.

   Picture: 12 apples in 4 rows of 3, which is also 3 columns of 4. The columns are counted in 4s: 4, 8 and 12.

4. Your turn: Here are 2 rows of 8 cars. 2 × 8 = ?

   Picture: An array of 2 rows of 8 cars.

   Choose one:

   • 10
   • 16
   • 24

   Answer

   The answer: 16

   2 × 8 = 16. One row is 8, two rows are 16.

   Picture: An array of 2 rows of 8 cars. The rows are counted in 8s: 8 and 16.

Words to know

times:

Groups of. 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4.

array:

Things set out in equal rows and columns.

divide:

Split into equal groups. 12 ÷ 4 asks how many 4s make 12.