3, 4 and 8 times tables: what children learn
The 2, 4 and 8 tables are closely linked by doubling, and the 3 table links to counting in threes and to finding thirds. The game is a 60-second sprint mixing multiplication and division facts, so children practice using each fact both ways round.
Practices multiplication and division facts connected to Common Core 3.OA.C.7. Factors extend through 12, so some questions go beyond the one-digit fact-recall target. Use the extra facts as challenge practice, rather than as the standard itself.
Common Core connection: 3.OA.C.7. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
How to play
How many can you answer in 60 seconds? Type the answer and press Enter. Questions keep coming for 60 seconds. Type each answer and press Enter, or choose Skip. Answers can be typed with or without commas.
Step by step
- Double the 2 times table to get the 4 times table. 6 × 2 = 12, so 6 × 4 is double that: 24.
- Double again to get the 8 times table. 6 × 4 = 24, so 6 × 8 is double that: 48.
- Use known facts for the 3 times table. 3 × 7 is 2 × 7 plus one more 7: 14 + 7 = 21. Counting in 3s (3, 6, 9, 12…) also helps at first.
- Turn facts round for division. Because 7 × 8 = 56, we know 56 ÷ 8 = 7 and 56 ÷ 7 = 8.
Worked examples
Example 1: 7 × 4 = ?
Working: Double 7 is 14; double again is 28.
Answer: 28
Example 2: 9 × 8 = ?
Working: 9 × 4 = 36, so 9 × 8 is double 36.
Answer: 72
Example 3: 27 ÷ 3 = ?
Working: Which number times 3 makes 27? 9 × 3 = 27.
Answer: 9
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Confusing neighboring facts, such as 7 × 8 = 54. Check with doubling: 7 × 2 = 14, 7 × 4 = 28, 7 × 8 = 56.
- Knowing facts only in order. Practice facts out of order, which is exactly what the sprint does.
- Forgetting the division facts. Ask the inverse straight after each multiplication: '4 × 6 is 24, so what is 24 ÷ 4?'
Activities to try at home
- Count legs: how many legs on 6 dogs (4 each) or 3 spiders (8 each)?
- Use a calendar to count in 3s or 4s and spot patterns.
- Play 'fizz buzz' with 3s and 4s: say 'fizz' for multiples of 3 and 'buzz' for multiples of 4.
Ideas for the classroom
- Build a doubling ladder on the wall: 2 table, 4 table, 8 table side by side.
- Solve scaling problems, such as 'a tree is 4 times as tall as a 3 m fence'.
- Use correspondence problems from the curriculum, such as '3 hats and 4 coats: how many different outfits?'
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Practices multiplication and division facts connected to Common Core 3.OA.C.7. Factors extend through 12, so some questions go beyond the one-digit fact-recall target. Use the extra facts as challenge practice, rather than as the standard itself.
How many facts go up to 12?
The game uses multipliers 1 to 12, so it includes facts such as 12 × 8 = 96.
What score should my child aim for?
The game gives stars for 5, 10 and 15 correct answers in 60 seconds. The aim is steady improvement, not speed alone.