Understanding the multiplication table lays the foundation for further study of mathematics. Without such knowledge, learning becomes problematic. Therefore, already in elementary school, it is required to learn the multiplication table.
Who invented the multiplication table?
For the first time, in the usual form, the multiplication table appeared in the work of Nicomachus of Geraz (I-II centuries AD) - "Introduction to Arithmetic".
So who invented the multiplication table? It is generally accepted that the first who discovered it is Pythagoras, although there is no direct evidence and confirmation of this. There is only circumstantial evidence. As, for example, Nicomachus of Geraz refers to Pythagoras in his essay.
At the same time, there is one of the oldest multiplication tables, given on clay tablets, which is about 4-5 thousand years old, and was discovered in Ancient Babylon. It was based on the sexagesimal system of calculus. A table with a decimal system was found in China, in 305 BC. Therefore, it will not work to clearly answer the question: “Who invented the multiplication table?”
Today, the multiplication table is called the "Pythagorean table" and looks like a square, the sides of which are indicated by factors, and their product is in the cells.
Let's start learning
Parents whose children have gone to school will sooner or later have to help their child learn and understand the multiplication table. Starting to study it, the child already knows how to add and subtract, has an idea about mathematical operations.
A multiplication table for children should be based on motivation, an explanation of why it is needed. It is necessary, with the help of an example, to lead the child to the fact that knowledge of the table can make it easier for us to complete some tasks. For example, if there are three packages of sweets in a store and there are 6 candies in each package, then in order to quickly find out how many candies there are, you should not count them individually, but multiply three by six and immediately find out the result.
To start studying the table, the child must have a good understanding of the essence of the operation of multiplication. You must first explain the principle of counting. That is, for example, if you need 38, then it will be equal to the same as 8 + 8 + 8. Based on such examples, the child should learn and understand the principle of multiplication well.
When the base is dismantled and the child has learned the procedure, you need to start learning the multiplication table
Learn easily and simply
Memorizing a table is hard. The child must be interested, then the learning process will go easier. So, we learn the multiplication table with interest and joy. There are several types of games associated with the study of the table. Depending on which channel of perception the child learns information better and faster, learning takes place. The multiplication table in a playful way will be interesting and easy to understand.
There are 3 channels of perception:
- visual;
- auditory;
- kinesthetic.
If a child has a more developed visual channel of perception, then he needs to look at the table when studying it. You can hang a homemade table in the room. Visual perception will speed up the process, and memorization will be easier.
The auditory channel is more of an auditory perception of information. To date, there have been many songs and poems aimed at learning. Therefore, it will be easier for a child to learn a table if it is present in his auditory perception.
With kinesthetic perception, you need to touch everything, feel it in your hands. It is the same with the table, it is better to present its study visually. For example, put cubes or any other objects on plates and explain the principle of multiplication.
Secrets of the multiplication table
Playable Multiplication Table – great for elementary school kids. Remembering it will be easier if you add elements of the game when studying. When memorizing a table, mechanical memory is more involved. However, for simple memorization, it is better to use the associative method.
Learning the multiplication table will be easier if you use:
- poetry;
- songs;
- cards;
- audio and video materials;
- online simulators.
There are also secrets when multiplying, for example, by the number 9, knowing which, you can study the table faster.
Poems and songs
The multiplication table for children will learn with interest if the child is interested. There are many poems and songs, when learning which the multiplication table is remembered. In such verses in rhyme it is told about the multiplication of two numbers and their result. In the future, the verses will act as an association, remembering which, you can find out the result.
Memorizing poems and songs, you can learn the multiplication table easier and faster.
Cards
Playing cards is effective when the table has already been learned and it is required to bring the acquired knowledge to automatism.
The meaning of the game: cards are made with examples, no answers. Turn the clean side up, mix and pull out by the children in turn. Pulling out a card, the child must answer - solve an example. If the answer is correct, the card is removed, but if the answer is incorrect or not given at all, then the card is returned to the game. As a result, at the end of the game there are examples that caused difficulty in answering, therefore, solving them again, the children repeat and reinforce the material that is difficult for them.
The peculiarity of this game is that you can take cards with the entire multiplication table, or choose only one specific number, and then add more.
Playing in this way, children hone their knowledge and bring it to automatism.
The secret of the multiplication table for 9
You can multiply any number from 1 to 10 by 9 on your fingers. To do this, put both hands next to each other with straightened fingers and mentally number the fingers in a row from 1 to 10. Now, to multiply, for example, 6 by 9, you need to raise (or bend) the sixth finger. Let's count the number of fingers before the raised sixth - there will be 5, and after - 4, put the numbers side by side and get 54. In the same way, you can calculate the result for any other number, within ten, multiplying by the number 9.
Learning from simple to complex
It is better to start learning the multiplication table from prime numbers, that is, from one. Starting to learn the table for easier numbers, the child will not lose interest in learning. And if you start with the numbers 10, 9, then, on the contrary, you may lose faith in yourself and further training will be difficult.
When learning multiplication by the numbers 1, 2, 3, the child is able to check the correctness of the solutions in practice, and starting from the number 9, it will be problematic to practically check the correctness.
Using the square of Pythagoras, and having learned the table up to a factor of 6, it is necessary for clarity to paint in green the already learned examples and see that there are not so many left. Before this, draw the attention of the child that when changing the places of the multipliers, the result will be the same, that is, if 29=18, then 92=18.
Be sure to praise and encourage when studying. Do not scold or punish - this will only turn the child away from the teaching of the table, and then it will be given to him with great difficulty.
Unusual and interesting
You can still return to the study of the Pythagorean table in high school and find out what the secret of the multiplication table is.
In the late 90s of the 20th century, the scientist A. A. Matveev invented a method for translating numbers into a graphic image. Based on his teachings, a graphic image of the multiplication table was created using the "Katya" method.
The essence of the method: numbers (a column of multiplication results) are reflected horizontally (in reverse order) and, according to the principle of comparing numbers with each other, more or less, are encoded, respectively, with pluses or minuses.
Using this method, one can understand that in the multiplication table the logical construction of numbers is in a polar system, in which pluses and minuses form two ellipses of different polarity. It turns out that the multiplication table is a complete form with its own graphics and polarity.
Learning and memorizing the multiplication table is a mandatory and key step in passing the school curriculum. This knowledge will be needed throughout the school and will make life easier at some points in the future. So who came up with the table? The multiplication and division table, as many believe, was created by Pythagoras. However, the lack of documented works of this scientist calls into question the correctness of authorship. At the same time, doubts aboutwho came up with the multiplication table, do not interfere with the use and application in her studies.
