Multiplication by 7, step by step

The sevens have the reputation of being the hardest table.

The question

8 × 7

8×7
8 × 7=7 × 8
7 × 5=35
7 × 3=21
35+21=56
8×7=56
  1. 8 × 7 means 8 groups with 7 in each one — 8 rows of 7. The answer counts everything in all of them, not one row.
  2. Added up, that is 7 written 8 times — nobody wants to do that. Turn it round: 7 × 8 is the same amount, and it is only 7 lots of 8 to add instead.
  3. If 7 × 8 will not come, split the 8 at five: 7 × 5 = 35, and 7 × 3 = 21. Together that is 35 + 21 = 56.
  4. So 8 × 7 = 56.

How it works.

  1. 01

    8 × 7 means 8 groups with 7 in each one — 8 rows of 7. The answer counts everything in all of them, not one row.

  2. 02

    Added up, that is 7 written 8 times — nobody wants to do that. Turn it round: 7 × 8 is the same amount, and it is only 7 lots of 8 to add instead.

  3. 03

    If 7 × 8 will not come, split the 8 at five: 7 × 5 = 35, and 7 × 3 = 21. Together that is 35 + 21 = 56.

  4. 04

    So 8 × 7 = 56.