Mental multiplication problems: Y3, Y4, Y5

A teacher-made maths worksheet on mental multiplication problems for Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 children with a football theme.

By the time they enter Year 5 children should be very confident in all times tables. They should also know their division facts for each times table (if 6 x 3 = 18 then 18 ÷ 6 = 3). Use these mental maths questions to test your child.

How can you improve mental maths skills in KS2?

Here are some ways that you can improve your KS2 child's mental maths skills: 

• Practise daily
  Spend a few minutes each day solving quick math problems to build confidence.
   
• Play math games
  Use fun apps or board games that involve numbers.
   
• Use flashcards
  Create or use flashcards for times tables and simple addition.
   
• Break problems down
  Solve big problems by breaking them into smaller, easier steps.

 

How do KS2 children develop mental multiplication skills?

1. Learning times tables: Children start by memorising times tables, which is the foundation for quick mental multiplication. Regular repetition and practice help solidify these facts.
    
2. Using patterns and tricks: They learn patterns and tricks, like doubling numbers to multiply by 2 or using known facts (like 5x6) to figure out related problems (like 6x6).
    
3. Breaking down problems: Children are taught to break down more complex multiplication into smaller, easier steps. For example, to multiply 7x8, they might think of it as (7x4) + (7x4).
    
4. Practising with real-life problems: They apply multiplication to real-life scenarios, like calculating the total number of items in groups, which helps them understand and practise in a practical context.
    
5. Regular practice and games: Consistent practice through worksheets, mental math challenges and interactive games helps reinforce their skills and make learning fun.