9 times table in real life: number tricks

Quick answer

You can use a fun number trick to help you remember the 9 times table: when you multiply 9 by any number from 1 to 10, the digits of the answer always add up to 9!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use a number trick to check if your answers to the 9 times table are correct, and you'll understand why this trick works.

• You can multiply 9 by numbers 1 to 10 and get the right answer
• You can add the digits of any 9 times table answer and get 9
• You can use this trick to check if your multiplication is right
• You can explain why this trick works using simple counting

Why this matters

The 9 times table is tricky for many children, but using number tricks makes it more fun and easier to remember. These tricks help you check your answers, build confidence, and connect maths to everyday life. Whether you're sharing 9 cookies with friends, planning a football game with 9 players, or counting your pocket money, the 9 times table is useful and interesting!

How it works

Here’s how the number trick works:

1. Multiply 9 by any number from 1 to 10
2. Add the digits of your answer together
3. The sum will always be 9!

For example, 9 × 4 = 36. Now add 3 + 6 = 9. It works every time!

Examples you can see

Let’s look at the full 9 times table and see how the trick works:

Notice how the digits always add up to 9 (or 18, which then adds to 9). This is a cool pattern that makes the 9 times table easier to remember!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Mystery of the Magic Numbers

You are a detective trying to solve a mystery. A secret code has been left by a wizard who says the magic number is 9. The wizard gives you a list of multiplication problems, but only some answers are correct. Your job is to use the number trick to find the correct answers!

Here are the wizard’s clues:

1. 9 × 3 = 26 (Is this right?)
2. 9 × 5 = 45 (Is this right?)
3. 9 × 7 = 63 (Is this right?)
4. 9 × 9 = 89 (Is this right?)
5. 9 × 10 = 90 (Is this right?)

How to solve:

1. Check the first clue: 9 × 3 = 26. Add 2 + 6 = 8. Not 9, so this is wrong!
2. Check the second clue: 9 × 5 = 45. Add 4 + 5 = 9. This is right!
3. Check the third clue: 9 × 7 = 63. Add 6 + 3 = 9. This is right!
4. Check the fourth clue: 9 × 9 = 89. Add 8 + 9 = 17. Not 9, so this is wrong!
5. Check the fifth clue: 9 × 10 = 90. Add 9 + 0 = 9. This is right!

Only clues 2, 3, and 5 are correct. The wizard’s code is solved!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 9 × 6 = 56 because 5 + 6 = 11, not 9.
• Why it happens: Children may forget to double-check their answers or add the digits correctly.
• Fix: Always add the digits of your answer. If the sum isn’t 9, your answer is wrong.

• Mistake: Using the trick only for numbers 1 to 10.
• Why it happens: Some children think the trick only works for small numbers.
• Fix: The trick works for any multiple of 9, even big ones like 9 × 12 = 108. Add 1 + 0 + 8 = 9.

• Mistake: Adding digits of 9 × 0 = 0 as 0 + 0 = 0, not 9.
• Why it happens: The trick is not always obvious for 0.
• Fix: Remember that 0 is still a valid answer, and 0 = 0, which fits the rule in a different way.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child understand the 9 times table with these tips:

1. Start by writing out the full 9 times table together, then check each answer with the digit trick.
2. Play the detective game above with your child to make it fun.
3. Use everyday examples like: "If you have 9 bags of 4 apples, how many apples do you have?"
4. Ask your child to explain the trick to you – this shows they really understand.
5. Don’t worry if they get a few wrong at first – it’s all part of learning!

Remember: The 9 times table is not just about memorising. It’s about seeing patterns, solving puzzles, and using tricks to build confidence in maths!

Practice questions

1. 9 × 2 = ?
2. 9 × 6 = ?
3. 9 × 8 = ?
4. 9 × 11 = ?
5. 9 × 12 = ?

Answers:

1. 9 × 2 = 18. Check: 1 + 8 = 9
2. 9 × 6 = 54. Check: 5 + 4 = 9
3. 9 × 8 = 72. Check: 7 + 2 = 9
4. 9 × 11 = 99. Check: 9 + 9 = 18 → 1 + 8 = 9
5. 9 × 12 = 108. Check: 1 + 0 + 8 = 9

FAQ

Why does the digit trick work for 9 times table?

It works because of how numbers are built. When you multiply 9 by any number, the result always follows a pattern where the digits add up to 9. This is a special property of 9 in our number system.

Can I use this trick for bigger numbers like 9 × 15?

Yes! For 9 × 15 = 135, add 1 + 3 + 5 = 9. It works for any multiple of 9!

Is this trick only for 9?

No! Other numbers have their own tricks too. For example, 5 times table always ends in 0 or 5, and 10 times table always ends in 0.

How can I remember 9 times table quickly?

Use the digit trick, practice with flashcards, or play games. You can also count in 9s like 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99, 108!

Does this trick work for all times tables?

No, only 9 has this special digit-addition pattern. But every times table has its own tricks and patterns to help you learn it!