X Tables
Times Tables Real Life

One Snack Per Person 1 times table adventure

A story-led page turning one snack per person into a junior adventure for practising the 1 times table.

Quick answer

When you have one snack for each person, you can use the 1 times table to count how many snacks you need. For example, if 5 people are coming to your party, you need 5 snacks. This is the same as 5 x 1 = 5.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how the 1 times table works and how it helps you count snacks for friends and family. Success signs:
  • You can say the 1 times table from 0 to 12.
  • You can use the 1 times table to solve problems about snacks.
  • You can explain why 1 x 5 = 5.
  • You can help a friend understand the 1 times table.

Why this matters

The 1 times table is the foundation of all multiplication. It helps you count things quickly and easily. When you know that 1 x 5 = 5, you know that if you have 5 friends and each gets one snack, you need 5 snacks. This is useful for parties, school, shopping, and even cooking.

How it works

The 1 times table is simple because multiplying by 1 always gives the same number. If you have 1 group of 1, you have 1. If you have 1 group of 2, you have 2. If you have 1 group of 12, you have 12. This is the same as saying:
  • 1 x 1 = 1
  • 1 x 2 = 2
  • 1 x 3 = 3
  • 1 x 4 = 4
  • 1 x 5 = 5
  • 1 x 6 = 6
  • 1 x 7 = 7
  • 1 x 8 = 8
  • 1 x 9 = 9
  • 1 x 10 = 10
  • 1 x 11 = 11
  • 1 x 12 = 12

Examples you can see

Here are some real-life examples of the 1 times table:
  • You have 1 friend coming to your birthday party. You need 1 snack.
  • You have 3 friends coming to your birthday party. You need 3 snacks.
  • You have 7 friends coming to your birthday party. You need 7 snacks.
  • You have 12 friends coming to your birthday party. You need 12 snacks.
Let’s imagine a story:
  • You are planning a picnic with your family.
  • There are 4 people in your family.
  • Each person gets 1 sandwich.
  • How many sandwiches do you need? 4 x 1 = 4 sandwiches.

Try it as a mini adventure

You are going on a treasure hunt with your friends. You need to make sure everyone gets one snack before you start. You count your friends:
  • 1st friend: 1 snack
  • 2nd friend: 1 snack
  • 3rd friend: 1 snack
  • 4th friend: 1 snack
  • 5th friend: 1 snack
  • 6th friend: 1 snack
  • 7th friend: 1 snack
  • 8th friend: 1 snack
  • 9th friend: 1 snack
  • 10th friend: 1 snack
  • 11th friend: 1 snack
  • 12th friend: 1 snack
How many snacks do you need in total? 12 x 1 = 12 snacks.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 1 x 5 = 10 instead of 5. Why it happens: Confusing the 1 times table with the 2 times table. Fix: Remember that 1 group of any number is just that number.
  • Mistake: Saying that 1 x 0 = 1. Why it happens: Thinking that 0 means "nothing", so 1 x 0 should be "nothing". Fix: Remember that 1 group of 0 is still 0.
  • Mistake: Counting the snack for yourself as 2 snacks. Why it happens: Not understanding that 1 x 1 = 1. Fix: Count carefully and remember that 1 x 1 = 1 snack.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Practising the 1 times table with their child using everyday examples.
  • Using objects like toys or snacks to show 1 group of different numbers.
  • Asking questions like "If 3 friends come to your party, how many snacks do you need?"
  • Repeating the 1 times table together to help with memory.
  • Encouraging their child to explain how they solved a problem.
  • Not worrying if their child makes a mistake at first – it's part of learning.
  • Using games or songs to make learning fun.
  • Connecting the 1 times table to real-life situations like sharing snacks or counting toys.
  • Letting their child teach them the 1 times table to build confidence.
  • Checking that their child understands that 1 x 0 = 0, not 1.

Practice questions

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

FAQ

What is the 1 times table?

The 1 times table is when you multiply any number by 1. The answer is always the same number.

Why is the 1 times table important?

The 1 times table is important because it helps you understand how multiplication works. It is the first step in learning all multiplication facts.

Can you use the 1 times table for anything else?

Yes! You can use the 1 times table to count things quickly, like how many friends are coming to your party, or how many plates you need for a meal.

What happens if you multiply by 0?

If you multiply any number by 0, the answer is always 0. For example, 1 x 0 = 0.

How can I remember the 1 times table?

You can remember the 1 times table by repeating it out loud or writing it down. You can also use objects to show 1 group of different numbers.

Complete 1 times table facts

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