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Topmarks Hit the Button doubles maths mission

A practical mini-mission using doubles to practise multiplication by 2 through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

Topmarks Hit the Button doubles maths mission is a fun online game where you practice multiplying by 2 using doubles. You'll learn to quickly spot and solve doubles like 2 + 2, 5 + 5, or 8 + 8 to help with multiplication.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to quickly solve doubles and use them to multiply by 2. Success signs:
  • You can say the answer to 2 + 2, 4 + 4, 6 + 6, and 10 + 10 without counting.
  • You can solve 2 x 3, 2 x 5, 2 x 8, and 2 x 12 using doubles.
  • You can find doubles in real life, like pairs of socks or eyes on a face.
  • You can play Topmarks Hit the Button doubles game and score well.

Why this matters

Doubles are a super helpful way to learn multiplication by 2. They're like secret shortcuts! When you know your doubles, you can quickly solve problems like 2 x 7 or 2 x 9. This helps you get better at maths in school, and it's useful for things like sharing snacks, counting your toys, or playing games.

How it works

Doubles are when you add the same number twice. For example:
  • 2 + 2 = 4
  • 3 + 3 = 6
  • 5 + 5 = 10
When you multiply by 2, you're just finding the double of a number. So:
  • 2 x 3 = 6 (because 3 + 3 = 6)
  • 2 x 5 = 10 (because 5 + 5 = 10)
This is a fast way to multiply by 2. You just double the number!

Examples you can see

Let's look at some doubles and how they help us multiply by 2: Doubles and Multiplication by 2
Double Answer Multiplication by 2 Answer
1 + 1 2 2 x 1 2
2 + 2 4 2 x 2 4
3 + 3 6 2 x 3 6
4 + 4 8 2 x 4 8
5 + 5 10 2 x 5 10
6 + 6 12 2 x 6 12
7 + 7 14 2 x 7 14
8 + 8 16 2 x 8 16
9 + 9 18 2 x 9 18
10 + 10 20 2 x 10 20
11 + 11 22 2 x 11 22
12 + 12 24 2 x 12 24
You can use these doubles to solve multiplication problems. For example, if you see 2 x 4, you think "What is 4 + 4?" and that's 8.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Double Dragon's Treasure Hunt You are a brave explorer who has found a treasure map. The map says:
  • At the start, you have 3 gold coins.
  • Each gold coin is worth 2 silver coins.
  • You must find the total value of your gold coins in silver coins.
Step 1: How many silver coins do you get for 1 gold coin?
  • 1 gold coin = 1 + 1 = 2 silver coins
Step 2: How many silver coins do you get for 2 gold coins?
  • 2 gold coins = 2 + 2 = 4 silver coins
Step 3: How many silver coins do you get for 3 gold coins?
  • 3 gold coins = 3 + 3 = 6 silver coins
Step 4: What is 2 x 3?
  • 2 x 3 = 6 silver coins
Step 5: You have found a chest with 4 gold coins. How many silver coins is that worth?
  • 4 gold coins = 4 + 4 = 8 silver coins
Step 6: What is 2 x 4?
  • 2 x 4 = 8 silver coins
You are a smart explorer who knows how to use doubles to solve multiplication problems!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 2 + 2 = 5
    • Why it happens: Confusing the answer with other numbers or not counting carefully.
    • Fix: Use your fingers or objects to count. 2 + 2 is definitely 4.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 2 x 0 = 0
    • Why it happens: Thinking that multiplying by 2 means adding 2 to the number.
    • Fix: Remember: 2 x 0 means 0 + 0 = 0.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 2 x 5 and 5 + 5
    • Why it happens: Not understanding that multiplication is just repeated addition.
    • Fix: Practice saying 2 x 5 out loud as "2 groups of 5" or "5 + 5".

Parent and carer guide

Here are 5 simple ways to help your child with doubles:
  1. Count doubles together: Hold up 3 fingers on one hand and 3 on the other. How many fingers? Count them all. 3 + 3 = 6.
  2. Use real objects: Use socks, toys, or blocks to show doubles. 4 blocks + 4 blocks = 8 blocks.
  3. Play games: Try Topmarks Hit the Button doubles game. It's fun and helps practice!
  4. Make it part of daily life: When you're cooking, ask "If we need 2 eggs for each cake, how many eggs do we need for 3 cakes?"
  5. Be patient: It takes time to learn. Praise your child for trying, even if they make a mistake.

Practice questions

  1. What is 2 + 2?
  2. What is 2 x 4?
  3. What is 6 + 6?
  4. What is 2 x 7?
  5. What is 10 + 10?
  6. What is 2 x 11?
  7. What is 12 + 12?
  8. What is 2 x 12?
Answers:
  1. 4
  2. 8
  3. 12
  4. 14
  5. 20
  6. 22
  7. 24
  8. 24

FAQ

What is a double in maths?

A double is when you add the same number twice. For example, 3 + 3 = 6. The number 6 is the double of 3.

Why are doubles useful for multiplication?

Doubles help you multiply by 2 quickly. When you see 2 x 7, you can think "What is 7 + 7?" which is 14. So 2 x 7 = 14.

How can I practice doubles at home?

You can practice doubles by using objects like counters, blocks, or even your fingers. Try saying doubles out loud or playing Topmarks Hit the Button doubles game.

What is the biggest double I should know?

You should know doubles up to 12 + 12 = 24. This helps you multiply by 2 up to 12.

Can I use doubles for other numbers too?

Yes! You can use doubles to help with other multiplication facts. For example, 3 + 3 = 6, so 3 x 2 = 6. But doubles are especially helpful for 2 x anything.