Mastering Multiplication Facts for 3, 4, and 6

Learning your multiplication facts is much easier when you know the right tricks! Let's look at some simple mental math strategies to help you quickly multiply numbers by 3, 4, and 6.

Multiplying by 3

When you multiply a number by 3, you are adding that number three times. You can also use skip counting.

For example, to find $7 \times 3$:

• Skip count by 3s seven times: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21.
• Or add the number three times: $7 + 7 + 7 = 21$.

Multiplying by 4: The "Double-Double" Strategy

Multiplying by 4 is easy if you know how to multiply by 2! The trick is to double the number, and then double it again.

Let's try $8 \times 4$:

1. First, double the 8: $8 \times 2 = 16$.
2. Then, double that answer: $16 + 16 = 32$.

So, $8 \times 4 = 32$.

Multiplying by 6: Double the 3s

If you know how to multiply by 3, you can easily multiply by 6. The strategy is to multiply the number by 3, and then double the answer.

Let's figure out $6 \times 6$:

1. First, multiply by 3: $6 \times 3 = 18$.
2. Then, double that answer: $18 + 18 = 36$.

So, $6 \times 6 = 36$.

Practice Examples

Let's review the example problems using our new strategies:

• $7 \times 3 = 21$ (Skip count by 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21)
• $8 \times 4 = 32$ (Double 8 is 16; double 16 is 32)
• $6 \times 6 = 36$ ($6 \times 3 = 18$; double 18 is 36)

With a little practice, these doubling strategies will help you solve multiplication problems quickly in your head!