X Tables
division

6 times table division facts

Connect multiplication and division so children can use the 6 table to solve sharing and grouping questions.

Quick answer

You can use the 6 times table to help you solve division problems by thinking about how many groups of 6 you can make, or how many items are in each group when you share equally.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve division questions using your knowledge of the 6 times table. You will know that if you know 6 x 7 = 42, then 42 ÷ 6 = 7 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.

Success signs:

  • You can find the answer to a division problem using the 6 times table
  • You can solve sharing problems involving 6
  • You can solve grouping problems involving 6
  • You can explain how multiplication and division are connected

Why this matters

Division is like sharing or grouping things equally. When you know your 6 times table, you can solve division problems quickly and easily. This helps you in everyday life, like when you share 18 cookies between 6 friends or work out how many groups of 6 you can make from 36 toys. It also helps you understand bigger maths in school, like fractions, ratios, and word problems.

How it works

Division is the opposite of multiplication. If you know that 6 x 5 = 30, then you also know that:

  • 30 ÷ 6 = 5 (How many groups of 6 are in 30?)
  • 30 ÷ 5 = 6 (How many items in each group if you share 30 equally into 5 groups?)

Think of it like this:

  1. Division splits things into equal parts
  2. Multiplication puts equal parts together
  3. They are connected, so knowing one helps you with the other

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of how to use the 6 times table to solve division problems:

Multiplication Division
6 x 1 = 6 6 ÷ 6 = 1
6 x 2 = 12 12 ÷ 6 = 2
6 x 3 = 18 18 ÷ 6 = 3
6 x 4 = 24 24 ÷ 6 = 4
6 x 5 = 30 30 ÷ 6 = 5
6 x 6 = 36 36 ÷ 6 = 6
6 x 7 = 42 42 ÷ 6 = 7
6 x 8 = 48 48 ÷ 6 = 8
6 x 9 = 54 54 ÷ 6 = 9
6 x 10 = 60 60 ÷ 6 = 10
6 x 11 = 66 66 ÷ 6 = 11
6 x 12 = 72 72 ÷ 6 = 12

Try this: If you have 36 pencils and want to put them into 6 pencil cases equally, how many pencils go in each case?

Answer: You know that 6 x 6 = 36, so 36 ÷ 6 = 6. That means 6 pencils in each case.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to collect alien crystals. You have 42 crystals to share equally between 6 alien friends. How many crystals does each friend get?

  1. First, think: What multiplication fact can help? 6 x 7 = 42
  2. Then, use that to solve the division: 42 ÷ 6 = 7
  3. Each alien friend gets 7 crystals!

Let’s try another one: You find 54 crystals and want to put them into 6 bags. How many crystals go in each bag?

  1. Think: What multiplication fact helps? 6 x 9 = 54
  2. Solve: 54 ÷ 6 = 9
  3. Each bag has 9 crystals.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 42 ÷ 7 = 6 instead of 42 ÷ 6 = 7
    Why it happens: Confusing the order of numbers in the division problem
    Fix: Remember that in 42 ÷ 6 = 7, the 6 is the number of groups, and the 7 is how many are in each group
  • Mistake: Forgetting that any number divided by itself equals 1
    Why it happens: Not connecting division to multiplication
    Fix: Remember that 6 ÷ 6 = 1, because 6 x 1 = 6
  • Mistake: Using the wrong times table fact
    Why it happens: Not knowing the 6 times table well
    Fix: Practice the 6 times table regularly and use flashcards or games

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with 6 times table division is simple and fun:

  • Use everyday situations like sharing snacks or toys to practice
  • Ask questions like: "If you have 24 stickers and want to share them between 6 people, how many does each person get?"
  • Encourage your child to say the multiplication fact first, then the division fact
  • Play games like "Division Relay" where you give a division problem and your child solves it using the 6 times table
  • Be patient if they get confused – it's normal to mix up multiplication and division at first
  • Practise together: "What is 6 x 8? What is 48 ÷ 6?"

Remember, the more your child connects division to multiplication, the easier it will get!

Practice questions

  1. What is 12 ÷ 6?
  2. What is 36 ÷ 6?
  3. What is 54 ÷ 6?
  4. What is 72 ÷ 6?
  5. What is 24 ÷ 6?

Answers:

  1. 12 ÷ 6 = 2
  2. 36 ÷ 6 = 6
  3. 54 ÷ 6 = 9
  4. 72 ÷ 6 = 12
  5. 24 ÷ 6 = 4

FAQ

How can I remember 6 times table division facts?

Use the multiplication facts you know. If you know 6 x 7 = 42, then you also know 42 ÷ 6 = 7 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.

Why is it helpful to know 6 times table division?

It helps you solve problems quickly and easily, especially when sharing or grouping things equally. It's useful for school maths and daily life.

What if I can't remember the 6 times table?

Start by counting in 6s: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72. Then try to learn the facts one at a time.

Can I use 6 times table facts for other numbers too?

Yes! Once you know 6 x 8 = 48, you also know 48 ÷ 6 = 8 and 48 ÷ 8 = 6. This works for all times tables.

Is it okay to use a calculator for division?

Yes, but it's good to know the times tables first so you can check if your calculator is right and solve problems faster.