X Tables
Times Tables Real Life

One Lap Each 1 times table adventure

A story-led page turning one lap each into a junior adventure for practising the 1 times table.

Quick answer

One lap each means one lap for every person or thing involved. When you multiply by 1, you get the same number. So 1 x 5 = 5, and 1 x 12 = 12.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand that multiplying any number by 1 gives you that same number, and you can use this to solve real-life problems like planning laps for a race or sharing snacks. Success signs:
  • You can say that 1 x 7 = 7
  • You can solve a problem using "one lap each"
  • You can explain why 1 x 9 = 9
  • You can find examples of "one lap each" in your everyday life

Why this matters

The 1 times table is the simplest multiplication fact. It helps you understand how multiplication works, and it's a building block for learning bigger tables. You use it every day, like when you count how many friends are in your class or how many cookies each person gets.

How it works

Multiplying by 1 is like saying "one group of that number". If you have 6 apples and you take 1 group of them, you still have 6 apples. If you have 10 pencils and you take 1 group of them, you still have 10 pencils. This is because 1 group is just the whole amount. You can think of it like this:
  • 1 x 3 = 3 (1 group of 3)
  • 1 x 8 = 8 (1 group of 8)
  • 1 x 12 = 12 (1 group of 12)

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real-life examples of "one lap each". Example 1: Running around the playground Imagine you and your 3 friends are running around the playground. If everyone runs one lap, how many laps in total?
  • You run 1 lap
  • Your friend A runs 1 lap
  • Your friend B runs 1 lap
  • Your friend C runs 1 lap
That’s 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4 laps. Or you can think of it as 4 people x 1 lap each = 4 laps. Example 2: Sharing pizza You have 5 slices of pizza and you want to share them equally with your 5 friends. If everyone gets one slice, how many slices are there in total?
  • Friend 1 gets 1 slice
  • Friend 2 gets 1 slice
  • Friend 3 gets 1 slice
  • Friend 4 gets 1 slice
  • Friend 5 gets 1 slice
That’s 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5 slices. Or 5 people x 1 slice each = 5 slices. Example 3: Collecting stickers You and your 9 classmates each collect 1 sticker. How many stickers do you have altogether?
  • You collect 1 sticker
  • Classmate 1 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 2 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 3 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 4 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 5 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 6 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 7 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 8 collects 1 sticker
  • Classmate 9 collects 1 sticker
That’s 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10 stickers. Or 10 people x 1 sticker each = 10 stickers.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Lap Around the World You are going on a fun race around your school playground. The playground is divided into 12 sections. You must run one lap for each section. But wait! There are 12 friends joining you. Each friend must also run one lap for each section. How many laps in total? Let’s break it down:
  1. 12 sections of the playground
  2. 1 lap for each section = 12 laps
  3. 12 friends, each running 12 laps = 12 x 12 laps
But wait, there’s more! Let’s make it simpler. You want to find out how many laps each friend runs.
  • Friend 1 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 2 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 3 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 4 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 5 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 6 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 7 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 8 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 9 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 10 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 11 runs 12 laps
  • Friend 12 runs 12 laps
So, 12 friends x 12 laps each = 144 laps in total! But you can also think of it as 12 laps for each of 12 friends = 144 laps. This is a big adventure! You are learning how to multiply by 12, but also how to use the 1 times table to solve big problems.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 1 x 5 = 10 or 1 x 5 = 1
    Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition or subtraction.
    Fix: Remember, 1 group of 5 is still 5. It’s like having 1 plate with 5 cookies – you still have 5 cookies.
  • Mistake: Saying 1 x 0 = 1
    Why it happens: Mixing up the 0 times table.
    Fix: 1 group of 0 is still 0. It’s like 1 plate with 0 cookies – there are no cookies.
  • Mistake: Thinking that 1 x 12 = 120
    Why it happens: Adding an extra zero by mistake.
    Fix: 1 group of 12 is still 12. There is no extra zero added.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child learn the 1 times table with these simple steps:
  • Use everyday examples like sharing snacks or counting friends
  • Play a game where you say a number and they say what 1 x that number is
  • Use objects like blocks or coins to show 1 group of a number
  • Ask your child to explain how many laps they would run if 5 friends joined them
  • Point out that 1 x anything = that same number
Try these 5 minutes of practice:
  1. Count 1 group of 3 blocks
  2. Count 1 group of 7 stickers
  3. Count 1 group of 10 toys
  4. Ask your child: "If 1 friend runs 1 lap, how many laps in total?"
  5. Ask your child: "If 10 friends each run 1 lap, how many laps?"

Practice questions

  1. 1 x 4 = ?
  2. 1 x 10 = ?
  3. 1 x 12 = ?
  4. 1 x 7 = ?
  5. 1 x 1 = ?
  6. 1 x 0 = ?
  7. 1 x 6 = ?
  8. 1 x 9 = ?
  9. 1 x 3 = ?
  10. 1 x 8 = ?
Answers:
  1. 4
  2. 10
  3. 12
  4. 7
  5. 1
  6. 0
  7. 6
  8. 9
  9. 3
  10. 8

1 times table facts

1 x 0 1 x 1 1 x 2 1 x 3 1 x 4 1 x 5 1 x 6 1 x 7 1 x 8 1 x 9 1 x 10 1 x 11 1 x 12
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

FAQ

Why is the 1 times table so easy?

Because multiplying by 1 means you have exactly one group of that number. It doesn’t change the number at all.

Can I use 1 times table in real life?

Yes! You can use it when sharing things, counting friends, or planning laps in a race.

What if I forget 1 x 7?

Remember, 1 group of 7 is just 7. You can count on your fingers or use objects to help you.

Is 1 x 0 = 0 the same as 1 x 1 = 1?

Yes, but in 1 x 0, you have 0 items in your group. In 1 x 1, you have 1 item in your group.

How can I remember 1 times table?

Think of it like this: 1 group of any number is that number. It’s always the same!