Split seven into five and two
Seven equal groups can be split into five groups and two groups. With eight in each group, five groups give forty and two groups give sixteen. Put them together to get fifty-six.
7 × 8 = 5 × 8 + 2 × 8 = 40 + 16 = 56
The complete table
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| 7 × 1 | 7 |
| 7 × 2 | 14 |
| 7 × 3 | 21 |
| 7 × 4 | 28 |
| 7 × 5 | 35 |
| 7 × 6 | 42 |
| 7 × 7 | 49 |
| 7 × 8 | 56 |
| 7 × 9 | 63 |
| 7 × 10 | 70 |
| 7 × 11 | 77 |
| 7 × 12 | 84 |
Check your reasoning
Keep the second factor unchanged in both parts. In 7 × 8, both the five groups and the two groups must contain eight each.
Neighbouring facts differ by 7. If you know 7 × 6 = 42, add 7 to find 7 × 7: 42 + 7 = 49.
Try it yourself
Say or write an answer before opening each question. If you get stuck, use the method above, then try that fact again later without looking.
7 × 3 = ?
7 × 3 = 21. Reversing the factors gives 3 × 7 = 21 too.
7 × 7 = ?
7 × 7 = 49. Reversing the factors gives 7 × 7 = 49 too.
7 × 8 = ?
7 × 8 = 56. Reversing the factors gives 8 × 7 = 56 too.
7 × 11 = ?
7 × 11 = 77. Reversing the factors gives 11 × 7 = 77 too.
7 × 12 = ?
7 × 12 = 84. Reversing the factors gives 12 × 7 = 84 too.
Connect the tables
Compare the 5 times table and look for doubles or groups you can add. In the multiplication chart, follow the whole row and its matching column.