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Maths tricks · trick 17 of 25 · free

Helper numbers for 6–9 tables — Maths trick for kids

Stuck on 7 × 8 or 6 × 9? Find each number’s helper — how far it is from 10. Subtract crossways to get the tens, multiply the two small helpers to get the ones, and add. You only need tables up to 4 × 4!

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The trick

Helper numbers — “subtract crossways for the tens, multiply the helpers for the ones”

  1. Helpers: 10 − each number (for 7 the helper is 3, for 8 it is 2).
  2. Subtract crossways: one number minus the other number’s helper. That is the tens.
  3. Multiply the two helpers and add it on: that is the answer.

Use it for: Any two numbers from 6 to 9 — the hardest part of the times tables — and checking table facts you are not sure of.

Worked example: 7 × 8 = 56

  1. Helpers: 10 − 7 = 3 and 10 − 8 = 2.
  2. Subtract crossways: 7 − 2 = 5, so 50.
  3. Multiply the helpers: 3 × 2 = 6.
  4. 50 + 6 = 56.

Check: 7 × 8 = 7 × 10 − 7 × 2 = 70 − 14 = 56 ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

✏️ Practice

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

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Trick 17 test

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

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🤝 Helper Hero badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 10 tricks of Part 4 · Clever counting & checking. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ 6, 7, 8 and 9 Times Tables Worksheet

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