10 times table in real life: 10p coins

Quick answer

You can use 10p coins to learn the 10 times table by grouping them into sets of 10, counting by tens, and seeing how many 10p coins you need for different amounts of money.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to multiply any number by 10 using 10p coins and understand how this helps you count money and solve real-life problems.

• You can count 10p coins in groups of 10.
• You can multiply any number by 10 using 10p coins.
• You can use your 10 times table to solve money problems.
• You can see how 10p coins help you understand bigger numbers.

Why this matters

Knowing your 10 times table helps you understand money, count quickly, and solve problems in real life. When you use 10p coins, you learn how 10 groups of something make a bigger number. This skill helps you add up your pocket money, buy things in shops, and understand how money works. It's also a great way to see how maths is used every day!

How it works

When you multiply a number by 10, you are making that number 10 times bigger. You can think of it like having 10 groups of the same thing. For example, if you have 3 apples and you want 10 times as many, you have 30 apples. With 10p coins, this means 10 groups of 10p coins.

1. Start with 1 group of 10p coins.
2. Count how many 10p coins you have in that group.
3. Then add more groups of 10p coins.
4. Count how many 10p coins you have in total.
5. Use this to find the answer to your multiplication.

Examples you can see

Let’s use 10p coins to show how the 10 times table works:

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 10p Coin Hunt

You are going on a treasure hunt with 10p coins! You need to collect coins to buy different things. Each item costs a different number of 10p coins.

1. First, you find 10p coins and count how many you have in total. (This is 1 × 10 = 10 coins)
2. Then, you find 2 groups of 10p coins. (This is 2 × 10 = 20 coins)
3. You find 3 groups of 10p coins. (This is 3 × 10 = 30 coins)
4. You find 4 groups of 10p coins. (This is 4 × 10 = 40 coins)
5. Can you find 5 groups of 10p coins? (This is 5 × 10 = 50 coins)
6. How many coins do you have if you find 6 groups of 10p coins? (This is 6 × 10 = 60 coins)
7. What about 7 groups? (This is 7 × 10 = 70 coins)
8. Can you find 8 groups? (This is 8 × 10 = 80 coins)
9. What about 9 groups? (This is 9 × 10 = 90 coins)
10. How many coins do you have if you find 10 groups? (This is 10 × 10 = 100 coins)
11. How many coins do you need for 11 groups? (This is 11 × 10 = 110 coins)
12. And 12 groups? (This is 12 × 10 = 120 coins)

Now you know how many 10p coins you need for each number. You can use this to buy things!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 10 × 10 = 100, but forgetting that 10 × 10 = 100 is correct.
  Why it happens: Some children think that multiplying by 10 just adds a zero, so they think 10 × 10 = 10.
  Fix: Remember that 10 × 10 means 10 groups of 10, which is 100.
• Mistake: Counting 10p coins as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 instead of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.
  Why it happens: Children may not understand that each group of 10p coins is worth 10p, not 1p.
  Fix: Practice counting in tens and use 10p coins to see the pattern.
• Mistake: Confusing 10 × 5 = 50 with 10 × 5 = 5.
  Why it happens: Children may think that multiplying by 10 just adds a zero, so they ignore the other number.
  Fix: Show that 10 × 5 means 10 groups of 5, which is 50.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child learn the 10 times table by using real 10p coins or pretend coins. Here’s how:

1. Start by showing 10p coins and counting them in groups of 10.
2. Use the table to help your child see the pattern.
3. Play a game where your child counts how many 10p coins they need for different amounts (e.g., 30p = 3 groups of 10p).
4. Ask questions like, “How many 10p coins do you need for 50p?”
5. Encourage your child to use the 10 times table to solve real money problems.
6. Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes. They’re part of learning!

Practice questions

1. How many 10p coins do you need for 40p?
2. How many 10p coins do you need for 70p?
3. How many 10p coins do you need for 100p?
4. How many 10p coins do you need for 120p?
5. How many 10p coins do you need for 90p?

Answers:

1. 4 coins
2. 7 coins
3. 10 coins
4. 12 coins
5. 9 coins

FAQ

How can I use 10p coins to learn the 10 times table?

You can use 10p coins to make groups of 10, then count how many coins you have in total. This helps you see that 1 × 10 = 10, 2 × 10 = 20, and so on.

Why is the 10 times table useful?

The 10 times table helps you count money, solve problems, and understand bigger numbers. It's also the foundation for learning bigger multiplication tables.

What if I don't have 10p coins?

You can use anything that comes in groups of 10, like counters, blocks, or even your fingers. The idea is to make 10 groups of the same thing.

Can I use the 10 times table to count money?

Yes! If you know that 10 × 10 = 100, you know that 10 groups of 10p coins make 100p or £1.

How can I remember the 10 times table?

You can practice counting in tens, use 10p coins to make groups, or sing a song about the 10 times table. The more you practice, the easier it gets!