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Multiples Patterns 9 times table adventure

A story-led page turning multiples patterns into a junior adventure for practising the 9 times table.

Quick answer

When you multiply by 9, the multiples follow a special pattern that can help you remember them quickly and easily. This pattern makes the 9 times table a fun and exciting adventure!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to:

  • Recall the multiples of 9 from 0 to 12
  • Spot the pattern in the multiples of 9
  • Use the pattern to help you remember the 9 times table
  • Apply the 9 times table to real-life situations

Success signs:

  • You can say the 9 times table from 0 to 12
  • You can find the next multiple of 9 in a sequence
  • You can use the pattern to check if a number is a multiple of 9
  • You can solve problems using multiples of 9

Why this matters

Learning the 9 times table is useful in many ways! When you know your 9 times table, you can:

  • Quickly work out how many items are in groups of 9
  • Help with money calculations, like buying 9 sweets that cost 5p each
  • Understand patterns in numbers that make math easier
  • Use this knowledge to solve puzzles and games
  • Feel confident when doing bigger math problems later

Knowing the pattern in multiples of 9 makes learning it feel like a game, not just memorising facts!

How it works

Let's explore how the multiples of 9 work:

  1. Start with 0 x 9 = 0
  2. Then 1 x 9 = 9
  3. Then 2 x 9 = 18
  4. Each time you add 9 more, you get the next multiple
  5. The pattern in the digits of multiples of 9 is special

When you look at the multiples of 9, something magical happens with the digits:

  • 9 = 09 (0 + 9 = 9)
  • 18 = 1 + 8 = 9
  • 27 = 2 + 7 = 9
  • 36 = 3 + 6 = 9
  • 45 = 4 + 5 = 9
  • 54 = 5 + 4 = 9
  • 63 = 6 + 3 = 9
  • 72 = 7 + 2 = 9
  • 81 = 8 + 1 = 9
  • 90 = 9 + 0 = 9
  • 99 = 9 + 9 = 18, then 1 + 8 = 9
  • 108 = 1 + 0 + 8 = 9
  • 117 = 1 + 1 + 7 = 9
  • 126 = 1 + 2 + 6 = 9

This pattern means that if you add up the digits of any multiple of 9, the answer will always be 9 or a multiple of 9!

Examples you can see

Here's the full 9 times table with the pattern:

Multiples of 9
Multiplication Answer Digits Added Sum
0 × 9 0 0 0
1 × 9 9 9 9
2 × 9 18 1 + 8 9
3 × 9 27 2 + 7 9
4 × 9 36 3 + 6 9
5 × 9 45 4 + 5 9
6 × 9 54 5 + 4 9
7 × 9 63 6 + 3 9
8 × 9 72 7 + 2 9
9 × 9 81 8 + 1 9
10 × 9 90 9 + 0 9
11 × 9 99 9 + 9 18 → 1 + 8 = 9
12 × 9 108 1 + 0 + 8 9

Look at how the tens digit goes up, and the units digit goes down:

  • 09, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99, 108

Notice how the tens digit goes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10 and the units digit goes 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 9, 8.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you're a treasure hunter! You've found a map that leads to a secret chest. The chest has a lock with a 9-digit code. You need to find the multiples of 9 to unlock it!

Adventure Step 1: Find the first multiple of 9. (Answer: 9)

Adventure Step 2: Find the second multiple of 9. (Answer: 18)

Adventure Step 3: Find the third multiple of 9. (Answer: 27)

Adventure Step 4: Find the fourth multiple of 9. (Answer: 36)

Adventure Step 5: Find the fifth multiple of 9. (Answer: 45)

Adventure Step 6: Find the sixth multiple of 9. (Answer: 54)

Adventure Step 7: Find the seventh multiple of 9. (Answer: 63)

Adventure Step 8: Find the eighth multiple of 9. (Answer: 72)

Adventure Step 9: Find the ninth multiple of 9. (Answer: 81)

Adventure Step 10: Find the tenth multiple of 9. (Answer: 90)

Adventure Step 11: Find the eleventh multiple of 9. (Answer: 99)

Adventure Step 12: Find the twelfth multiple of 9. (Answer: 108)

Now you've collected all the numbers to unlock the treasure chest! Can you add up the digits of each number to see the pattern?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 9 × 9 = 89
    Why it happens: Confusing the pattern with other numbers
    Correct answer: 9 × 9 = 81
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 × 9 = 0
    Why it happens: Not understanding that zero groups of anything equals zero
    Correct answer: 0 × 9 = 0
  • Mistake: Adding the digits wrong like 18 = 1 + 8 = 10
    Why it happens: Rushing through the calculation
    Correct answer: 18 = 1 + 8 = 9
  • Mistake: Not noticing that 9 × 10 = 90
    Why it happens: Thinking that 90 is not a multiple of 9
    Correct answer: 9 × 10 = 90, and 9 + 0 = 9

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with the 9 times table:

  • Use the pattern to help them remember: the tens digit goes up, and the units digit goes down
  • Play a game where you say a number and they tell you if it's a multiple of 9
  • Use everyday objects like coins, counters, or blocks to make groups of 9
  • Practice counting in 9s together: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99, 108
  • Point out that 9 × 10 = 90, so 9 × 11 = 99, and 9 × 12 = 108
  • Encourage them to check their answers by adding digits
  • Be patient and celebrate small wins!

When your child makes a mistake, gently guide them back to the pattern. For example, if they say 9 × 9 = 89, ask them to add 8 + 9 and see if it equals 9.

Practice questions

  1. What is 7 × 9?
  2. Is 63 a multiple of 9?
  3. What is 11 × 9?
  4. What is 9 × 12?
  5. What is 4 × 9?

Answers:

  1. 7 × 9 = 63
  2. Yes, 63 is a multiple of 9 (6 + 3 = 9)
  3. 11 × 9 = 99
  4. 9 × 12 = 108
  5. 4 × 9 = 36

FAQ

What is the 9 times table?

The 9 times table is the sequence of numbers you get when you multiply 9 by 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Why is 9 special in multiplication?

The multiples of 9 have a special pattern where the digits add up to 9 or a multiple of 9. This makes them easier to remember and check!

How can I remember the 9 times table?

You can remember it by:

  • Counting in 9s
  • Using the pattern where tens go up and units go down
  • Adding the digits to check if it's a multiple of 9
  • Practising regularly

What is 9 × 0?

9 × 0 = 0. This is because zero groups of anything equals zero.

Can I use the 9 times table in real life?

Yes! You can use it for counting items in groups of 9, working out prices, and solving puzzles. For example, if you buy 9 stickers that cost 5p each, you need to calculate 9 × 5p = 45p.