Topmarks Maths
Where is multiplication by 2 hiding in Topmarks Hit the Button doubles?
Use doubles as the doorway to the 2 times table.
Quick answer
Multiplication by 2 is hiding in Topmarks Hit the Button doubles because each double is the same as multiplying by 2. When you double a number, you're finding 2 groups of that number, which is the same as 2 × that number.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will know how to use doubles to help you learn your 2 times table, and you will be able to quickly solve 2 × any number from 0 to 12. Success signs:- You can quickly say the double of any number from 0 to 12
- You can match doubles to 2 × that number
- You can use doubles to solve multiplication problems with 2
- You can play Topmarks Hit the Button doubles and get quick answers
Why this matters
Multiplication by 2 is one of the easiest times tables to learn, and it's the foundation for many other multiplication facts. When you understand how doubles work, you're already solving 2 × numbers without even thinking about it. This helps you play games like Topmarks Hit the Button doubles faster and more confidently. It also helps you with bigger maths later on, like 4 × numbers or 2 × 2 × numbers.How it works
Multiplication by 2 is all about having two equal groups of something. When you double a number, you're making two of that number. For example:- Double 3 = 3 + 3 = 6
- This is the same as 2 × 3 = 6
- Double 5 = 5 + 5 = 10
- This is the same as 2 × 5 = 10
Examples you can see
Let’s look at how doubles are connected to 2 × numbers using simple examples:| Double | 2 × Number | How they match |
|---|---|---|
| Double 1 | 2 × 1 | 1 + 1 = 2, so 2 × 1 = 2 |
| Double 2 | 2 × 2 | 2 + 2 = 4, so 2 × 2 = 4 |
| Double 3 | 2 × 3 | 3 + 3 = 6, so 2 × 3 = 6 |
| Double 4 | 2 × 4 | 4 + 4 = 8, so 2 × 4 = 8 |
| Double 5 | 2 × 5 | 5 + 5 = 10, so 2 × 5 = 10 |
| Double 6 | 2 × 6 | 6 + 6 = 12, so 2 × 6 = 12 |
| Double 7 | 2 × 7 | 7 + 7 = 14, so 2 × 7 = 14 |
| Double 8 | 2 × 8 | 8 + 8 = 16, so 2 × 8 = 16 |
| Double 9 | 2 × 9 | 9 + 9 = 18, so 2 × 9 = 18 |
| Double 10 | 2 × 10 | 10 + 10 = 20, so 2 × 10 = 20 |
| Double 11 | 2 × 11 | 11 + 11 = 22, so 2 × 11 = 22 |
| Double 12 | 2 × 12 | 12 + 12 = 24, so 2 × 12 = 24 |
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are on a treasure hunt. You find a map that says, “To get to the treasure, you must double the number of coins you have at each checkpoint.” At the first checkpoint, you have 3 coins. You must double them to get 6 coins. That’s the same as 2 × 3 = 6. At the second checkpoint, you have 5 coins. You must double them to get 10 coins. That’s the same as 2 × 5 = 10. At the third checkpoint, you have 8 coins. You must double them to get 16 coins. That’s the same as 2 × 8 = 16. Can you solve these challenges?- Checkpoint 1: 2 coins → Double = ?
- Checkpoint 2: 4 coins → Double = ?
- Checkpoint 3: 7 coins → Double = ?
- Checkpoint 4: 9 coins → Double = ?
- Checkpoint 5: 12 coins → Double = ?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 2 × 4 = 8, but confusing it with 4 + 4 = 8 and forgetting that 2 × 4 = 8.
Why it happens: Kids might mix up what the question is asking.
Fix: Remember, 2 × 4 means 2 groups of 4, which is 4 + 4 = 8. So 2 × 4 = 8. - Mistake: Doubling 0 and thinking it’s 0.
Why it happens: It's hard to imagine having 0 of something.
Fix: 2 × 0 = 0, because 0 + 0 = 0. - Mistake: Confusing 2 × 3 = 6 with 3 × 2 = 6.
Why it happens: The order of multiplication can be confusing.
Fix: Remember that 2 × 3 means 2 groups of 3, not 3 groups of 2. But both give the same answer!
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Practising doubles with your child using everyday objects like counters, toys, or fingers.
- Playing Topmarks Hit the Button doubles together and seeing who can answer faster.
- Using real-life examples like “If you have 4 apples and get 4 more, how many apples do you have?”
- Encouraging your child to say the doubles out loud and write them down to see the pattern.
- Not worrying if they get some wrong at first – it’s all part of learning!
Practice questions
- What is double 4?
- What is 2 × 7?
- What is double 9?
- What is 2 × 11?
- What is double 0?
- What is 2 × 5?
- What is double 12?
- What is 2 × 3?
- What is double 6?
- What is 2 × 10?
- Double 4 = 8
- 2 × 7 = 14
- Double 9 = 18
- 2 × 11 = 22
- Double 0 = 0
- 2 × 5 = 10
- Double 12 = 24
- 2 × 3 = 6
- Double 6 = 12
- 2 × 10 = 20
FAQ
What is a double in maths?
A double is when you add a number to itself. For example, 5 + 5 = 10, so 10 is the double of 5.
How does doubling help with multiplication?
When you double a number, you're finding 2 times that number. So 2 × 6 = 12, and 6 + 6 = 12. They’re the same!
Can I use doubles for all times tables?
No, you can only use doubles for the 2 times table. But once you know doubles, it’s easy to learn 2 × numbers.
What is the 2 times table?
The 2 times table is all the answers when you multiply 2 by numbers from 0 to 12. For example: 2 × 0 = 0, 2 × 1 = 2, 2 × 2 = 4, and so on.
Why is learning doubles important?
Learning doubles helps you understand multiplication by 2 quickly. It also builds a strong foundation for learning bigger times tables later.