Maths tricks · trick 2 of 25 · free

The 9 table digit pattern — Maths trick for kids

Write the 9 table in a column and look: the tens digits count up 1, 2, 3 … and the ones digits count down 8, 7, 6 … Each answer’s two digits add up to 9. So if you know one digit, you can find the other.

The trick

Add to 9 — “the two digits of 9 × n (up to 9 × 10) always add up to 9”

  1. The tens digit of 9 × n is one less than n.
  2. The two digits add up to 9, so the ones digit is 9 minus the tens digit.
  3. Missing digit? Use whichever rule fits.

Use it for: Remembering and checking the 9 table, and spotting mistakes like 9 × 6 = 56 (5 + 6 is not 9!).

Worked example: 9 × 8 = ?2 — what is the missing digit? → 7

  1. The tens digit is one less than 8: 7.
  2. Check: 7 + 2 = 9.
  3. So 9 × 8 = 72.

Check: 9 × 8 = 80 − 8 = 72, and 7 + 2 = 9 ✓

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Trick 2 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ 9 Times Table Pattern Worksheet

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