Teacher-approved tips for learning your 2 times table complete with twelve practice problems to test your multiplication skills.
Author
Mhairi Sim
Published
January 2025
Teacher-approved tips for learning your 2 times table complete with twelve practice problems to test your multiplication skills.
Author
Mhairi Sim
Published
January 2025
Teacher-approved tips for learning your 2 times table complete with twelve practice problems to test your multiplication skills.
Author
Mhairi Sim
Published
January 2025
Key takeaways
Table of contents
In Year 1 maths, learners will begin learning multiplication with the 2 times table, 5 times table and 10 times table. We start with these times tables because they have the easiest patterns for learners to recognise.
In addition to this, the 2 times table goes hand in hand with many other aspects of maths. It will massively benefit their progress throughout KS1 and KS2 maths as they learn more about counting money, division, odd and even numbers, and strategies for mental maths.
But exactly how do you learn your 2 times tables? Read on for teacher-approved tips to learn the 2 times table and some practice problems to test yourself with afterward!
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Explore the number 10 in a variety of different ways using counting frames and more!
Discover everyday language used to talk about time.
Learn all about recognising, creating and describing patterns.
A great strategy that helps when learning your 2 times tables is to spot any patterns within the table. With the 2 time table, there are a few to point out.
If a number is an even number it will be included in the 2 times table somewhere! That’s because even numbers can be divided or shared equally between two groups!
Numbers that appear in the two times table will always end in either a 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 (this is also true for even numbers!). Once kiddos understand this, it’s easier to identify numbers that are products of the 2 times table.
Spotting these patterns will also come in handy when it comes time to learn the 4 times table!
Skip counting is an excellent method for learning any times tables. It’s a quick way to commit the products of a table to memory.
For the 2 times table, learners simply count up in 2s as illustrated below.
I have always found that using a number line and having my students physically make the “skip” with their fingers is the most effective way to get this concept to sink in!
Once they’ve got a hang of skip counting by 2s, your kiddos will soon be on their way to reciting their 2 times table up to 100!
DoodleMaths is an award-winning app that’s filled with thousands of questions and games exploring multiplication, division and more! Plus, get free access to DoodleTables with any DoodleMaths subscription!
Designed by teachers, it creates each child a unique work programme tailored to their needs, doubling their progression with just 10 minutes of use a day. Try it for free!
As your learners progress, it’s a good idea to present them with different types of 2 times table problems. That means word problems as well as straightforward equations.
Asking kiddos to identify missing numbers in sequences of numbers which are products of the 2 times table is another example of a problem they could solve. Picture-based questions that encourage skip counting are a great option too!
Finally, it’s important to teach learners that multiplication problems are the same no matter what order the multiples are given. For example, 2 x 7 is the same question as 7 x 2.
The Doodle Learning maths app is a super resource for challenging kids with various types of multiplication problems. Our app creates a personalised programme of fun games and activities that boosts kids’ understanding across the maths curriculum!
Ready to give it a go?
Put your knowledge to the test with these no-risk practice problems to get you ready for the classroom!
Now you’ve got all the strategies for learning and recalling the 2 times table it’s time to put that learning to the test. Below are twelve 2 time table problems to try out with your learner!
2 x 5 =
2 x 10 =
What is the missing number?
10, 12, __, 16, 18
2 x 9 =
2 x 3 =
Want more practice? Our math help app is a great resource for times table practice!
In conclusion, the 2 times table can be tricky to learn, but these tips and tricks can make it more manageable for your child or students. Using a combination of the tricks, skip counting, the Commutative Property, and songs and your children can conquer the 2 times table.
Lesson credits
Michelle Griczika
Michelle Griczika is a seasoned educator and experienced freelance writer. Her years teaching primary school lend depth to her understanding of diverse learning stages. Michelle enjoys running in her free time and undertaking home projects.
Michelle Griczika
Michelle Griczika is a seasoned educator and experienced freelance writer. Her years teaching primary school lend depth to her understanding of diverse learning stages. Michelle enjoys running in her free time and undertaking home projects.
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