Math Problem Statement

I don't understand how to do multiplication using my fingers

Solution

Multiplying numbers using your fingers can be a fun and helpful trick, especially for certain numbers. One common method is for multiplying numbers 6 through 10 using a technique known as the "finger multiplication method." Here's how you can do it:

Finger Multiplication for 6 through 10

  1. Label your fingers: On each hand, label your fingers from 6 to 10, starting with your thumb as 6 and moving to your pinky as 10.

    Left Hand: 6 (thumb), 7 (index), 8 (middle), 9 (ring), 10 (pinky)
    Right Hand: 6 (thumb), 7 (index), 8 (middle), 9 (ring), 10 (pinky)
    
  2. Touch the fingers: To multiply two numbers, touch the fingers that represent those numbers together. For example, to multiply 7 by 8, touch your left hand's index finger (7) to your right hand's middle finger (8).

  3. Count the touching fingers and the fingers below: The fingers that are touching and all the fingers below those touching fingers represent tens. In our example, 7 x 8:

    • Left hand: thumb (6), index (7)
    • Right hand: thumb (6), index (7), middle (8)

    Together, you have 5 fingers touching or below (index finger of left hand to middle finger of right hand).

  4. Count the remaining fingers: Multiply the number of fingers above the touching fingers on each hand. In our example:

    • Above left hand index (7) is 3 (ring and pinky).
    • Above right hand middle (8) is 2 (ring and pinky).

    Multiply these remaining fingers: 3×2=63 \times 2 = 6.

  5. Add the two results: The total multiplication result is the sum of the tens (from step 3) and the units (from step 4).

    5 (tens) ×10+6 (units) =50+6=565 \text{ (tens) } \times 10 + 6 \text{ (units) } = 50 + 6 = 56

    So, 7×8=567 \times 8 = 56.

Would you like a more detailed example or do you have any other questions? Here are some more topics you might be interested in:

  1. How to multiply larger numbers using the grid method.
  2. Tips for quick mental math multiplication.
  3. Understanding the distributive property of multiplication.
  4. How to multiply fractions.
  5. Tricks for multiplying numbers ending in zero.

Tip: Practice this finger multiplication method with different combinations of numbers between 6 and 10 to become more comfortable with it.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Multiplication
Finger Multiplication Method

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 3-5