The sevens are the table most people find hardest. There is no shortcut like doubling.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
But five and two make seven
8 × 7 is (8 × 5) + (8 × 2), which is 40 and 16.
40 and 16 makes 56. So 8 × 7 = 56.
And you know some already
7 × 2, 7 × 5, and 7 × 10 came free with the earlier tables.
Sevens are fives plus twos
7 × 8 = (5 × 8) + (2 × 8) = 40 + 16 = 56. Splitting the 7 into 5 and 2 turns the hardest table into two of the easiest. This is the distributive property doing real work on the facts children find hardest.
Why the sevens feel hardest
7 has no doubling shortcut, no zero pattern, and no digit rule. Every other table connects to something simpler, and the 7s connect to nothing. That is why they need the most deliberate practice — the difficulty is real, not a failing on your part.
Half the sevens are already learned
If you know 2 × 7, 3 × 7, 4 × 7, 5 × 7 and 6 × 7 from the other tables, then the only genuinely new facts in the sevens are 7 × 7, 7 × 8 and 7 × 9. Three facts. Framed that way, the hardest table is a short job.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
8 × 7 = 56
8 × 7 = (8 × 5) + (8 × 2) = 40 + 16 = 56
The array is cut into 8 × 5 and 8 × 2. Two easier facts that add to the same total.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Ana Build a Seven
Ana is asked for 6 × 7.
- Step 1
She splits the 7 into 5 and 2.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
The Weeks
Problem 1 of 2
How many days are in 6 weeks?
days
More Weeks
Problem 2 of 2
How many days are in 9 weeks?
days
The Seven Times Table
1 of 4
4 × 7 = ?
2 of 4
7 × 7 = ?
3 of 4
9 × 7 = ?
4 of 4
56 ÷ 7 = ?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
8 × 7 = ?
Question 2 of 2
How can you split a seven?
What You Learned
- Sevens are the hardest table.
- Split a seven into a five and a two.
- Add the two products.