Max Maths, Year 6, Learn together, Mental multiplication (1)

Max Maths Year 6 introduces a method for mental multiplication that simplifies the process of doubling numbers. The strategy involves breaking down a number into its tens and ones before doubling each part separately. For example, to double the number 45 mentally, one would first double the tens (2 × 40 = 80) and then double the ones (2 × 5 = 10). The next step is to combine these doubled figures, which in this case would be 80 + 10, resulting in a total of 90. This same method is applied to the number 67, where the tens part (2 × 60 = 120) and the ones part (2 × 7 = 14) are doubled and then added together to achieve the doubled value of 134.

The technique is also effective for larger numbers such as 460. To double this number, it is first recognized as 46 multiplied by 10. By doubling the number 46—doubling the tens (2 × 40 = 80) and the ones (2 × 6 = 12) and then adding them together (80 + 12 = 92)—the result is 92. The final step is to multiply this result by 10, which gives the doubled value of 460 as 920. This method of mental multiplication is both systematic and efficient, allowing for quick calculations without the need for written work or a calculator.