2 times table in real life: high-fives
Use high-fives to make the 2 times table concrete, funny and memorable.
Quick answer
The 2 times table in real life can be seen when you do high-fives – every high-five involves 2 hands, so 1 high-five = 2 hands, 2 high-fives = 4 hands, 3 high-fives = 6 hands, and so on.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will know how to use high-fives to count in 2s and understand the 2 times table in real life. Success signs:- You can count in 2s up to 24.
- You can solve 2 times table problems using high-fives.
- You can imagine how many hands are involved in different numbers of high-fives.
- You can share a high-five with a friend and say how many hands are involved.
Why this matters
The 2 times table helps you count faster and solve problems quickly. When you know 2 x 5 = 10, you can quickly figure out that 5 friends high-fiving each other means 10 hands in total. This helps you understand how many things you need, how many you have, or how many more you need. High-fives are fun and show how maths is all around you!How it works
When you do a high-five, you use 2 hands. So:- 1 high-five = 2 hands
- 2 high-fives = 4 hands
- 3 high-fives = 6 hands
- 4 high-fives = 8 hands
- 5 high-fives = 10 hands
Examples you can see
Let’s look at some examples with high-fives and hands:| Number of High-Fives | Number of Hands |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 8 |
| 5 | 10 |
| 6 | 12 |
| 7 | 14 |
| 8 | 16 |
| 9 | 18 |
| 10 | 20 |
| 11 | 22 |
| 12 | 24 |
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The High-Five Challenge You are a superhero who needs to high-five 12 friends to save the day! Each high-five uses 2 hands. You must count how many hands you use in total. Here's your challenge:- 1st time: 1 high-five = 2 hands
- 2nd time: 2 high-fives = 4 hands
- 3rd time: 3 high-fives = 6 hands
- 4th time: 4 high-fives = 8 hands
- 5th time: 5 high-fives = 10 hands
- 6th time: 6 high-fives = 12 hands
- 7th time: 7 high-fives = 14 hands
- 8th time: 8 high-fives = 16 hands
- 9th time: 9 high-fives = 18 hands
- 10th time: 10 high-fives = 20 hands
- 11th time: 11 high-fives = 22 hands
- 12th time: 12 high-fives = 24 hands
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 2 x 6 = 14 instead of 12.
Why it happens: Confusing the 2 times table with another times table.
Fix: Use your hands to count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 – that’s 2 x 6! - Mistake: Counting by 1s instead of 2s.
Why it happens: Not remembering to jump by 2s.
Fix: Say the 2 times table out loud: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12… - Mistake: Forgetting that 0 x 2 = 0.
Why it happens: Thinking you need to add something.
Fix: If no one high-fives, no hands are used – that’s 0 hands!
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn the 2 times table using high-fives:- Play a game: Ask your child to give you 1 high-five, then 2, then 3, and count the hands together.
- Use fingers: Have your child hold up fingers to show how many hands are used.
- Make it fun: Use the 2 times table in a silly song or chant like "Two, four, six, eight – who’s got the time?"
- Encourage counting: Let your child count by 2s out loud while jumping or clapping.
- Ask questions: "How many hands do we need if we all high-five each other?"
Practice questions
- How many hands are in 3 high-fives?
- If 5 friends high-five each other, how many hands are there?
- What is 2 x 7?
- How many hands are in 9 high-fives?
- What is 2 x 11?
- 6 hands
- 10 hands
- 14
- 18 hands
- 22
FAQ
How can I practice the 2 times table with my child?
Use high-fives! Ask your child to give you 1 high-five, then 2, then 3, and count the hands together. You can also use clapping or jumping to help them count by 2s.
Why is the 2 times table important?
The 2 times table helps you count faster, solve problems quickly, and understand groups of 2. It is also the foundation for learning other multiplication tables.
Can I use the 2 times table for anything else?
Yes! The 2 times table helps with counting pairs, sharing items, and solving problems where things come in twos, like socks, eyes, or ears.
What if my child doesn’t like high-fives?
That’s okay! You can use other pairs like eyes, ears, or shoes to practice the 2 times table. The idea is to count in 2s, not just high-fives.
How do I know if my child understands the 2 times table?
They should be able to count by 2s, solve 2 times table problems, and use the table in real-life situations like counting hands or pairs of things.