If you're like most people, multiplication chart 1-12 were probably one of the bane of your existence when you were in school. They seemed pointless and boring - and to be honest, they kind of are.
How does a multiplication chart help?
Well, it's all about patterns. The multiplication chart is a way to easily see and memorize the patterns in multiplication.
What are the most popular kinds of multiplication charts?
1-12, of course. But did you know that multiplication tables as we know them today were actually first developed by a Scottish mathematician named James Watt in the late 1700s?
Watt was also an inventor, best known for his improvements to the steam engine. However, during this time he also worked on mathematics education and saw the need for a simpler way for students to learn multiplication. So he created what we now call multiplication charts or tables - with 1-12 being the most commonly used range in classrooms.
What are some other kinds of multiplication charts?
Beyond 1-12, multiplication charts can also go up to higher numbers - like 25 or even 100. These are often used in advanced math and engineering fields where multiplication is commonly used in calculations.
At what age do you learn from 1 to 12?
In most school systems, multiplication tables are typically taught and learned in elementary or early middle school, around ages 6-8. However, it's never too late to brush up on multiplication - the charts can be a helpful tool for adults as well.
So next time you're faced with those multiplication tables, just remember the strange but true origin story of how they came to be - and the patterns they can help us see. Happy multiplying!
