The note
How schools teach it now
Times tables to 12 × 12 are expected by the end of Year 4 (there's a national check), then used for factors, multiples and division. Written methods are column addition and subtraction, long multiplication and 'bus stop' short division.
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Take the picture cards out of a pack. Turn over two cards and make the biggest two-digit number you can. Ask: is it even? A multiple of 3? Prime? Name one of its factors. Then let your child quiz you.
Worked example
Which of these is a factor of 84? 5, 9, 12 or 16
- A factor divides into 84 exactly, with nothing left over.
- 84 ÷ 12 = 7 exactly.
- 84 ÷ 5, 84 ÷ 9 and 84 ÷ 16 all leave remainders.
Answer: 12
Common mistakes to watch for
- Mixing up factors (they divide into the number) and multiples (they're in its times table).
- Thinking 1 is a prime number. It isn't: primes have exactly two factors.
- Rushing a times-table fact, such as 7 × 8, and losing an easy mark.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “Which fact you already know could help here?”
- Rather than
- “You should know your times tables by now.”