Knowing the multiplication table and being able to multiply quickly in your mind is one of the key math skills that will come in handy not only in school, but also in everyday life.

What is the Pythagoras table

Most often for teaching multiplication use columns, their image is found almost everywhere. But I believe that it is much more convenient to use a special table for teaching multiplication, it is known as the Pythagoras table. It looks quite simple.

It is believed that the tabular representation was invented by the famous Pythagoras of Samos – one of the most famous mathematicians of antiquity. He lived in ancient Greece around 570-490 B.C. However, it should be said that similar tables have been found by archaeologists in ancient China and Japan, so the question of authorship remains open to this day 🙂

How to use the Pythagoras table to teach multiplication to children

To teach multiplication, the table is best printed out. You can use the picture on this page by downloading it to your device.

Using the Pythagoras table is very easy. For example, we need to multiply 9 by 8. We choose the number 8 horizontally and 9 vertically – at the intersection of the two lines is the result of multiplication.

Lifehacks to simplify the memorization of the multiplication table

One of the main “chips” of the table is the symmetry of values relative to the diagonal. This is a visual confirmation of the mathematical rule: from the permutation of multipliers, the product does not change. Therefore, you can study only what is above or below the diagonal line.

The Pythagoras table has another interesting property. The number of squares in the rectangle that the lines from the multipliers form is equal to the result of multiplication. This property can be used to explain to children the formula for calculating the area of a rectangle. As we all know from high school math, to find the area of a rectangle, we need to multiply the lengths of its sides. The Pythagoras table illustrates the fact that the area of a rectangle is the number of squares with a unit side that are inscribed in it.

To make memorizing the Pythagoras table easier, use:

• practice exercises;
• cards with answer sheets;
• educational games and tests.

Schoolchildren very often do not understand why they need to memorize the multiplication table. Therefore, it is important to give practical examples when this information can be useful. And why multiplying with the help of the table is much easier than counting on your fingers. Once your child has this understanding, the multiplication table will be much easier to memorize.