Real-Life Math

Multiplication Tables and Multiplicative Thinking · Multiplication Tables to 10

The 3 times table

Recall the 3 times table (3×1 to 3×10) by counting in threes.

≈ 4 min · Difficulty 2/5

Real-life hook

A tricycle has 3 wheels. How many wheels on 6 tricycles? Count in threes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 — so 3 × 6 = 18.

See it

3 rows of 6 = 18

The idea

Count up in threes. It also helps to know that 3 × a number is double the number plus one more group: 3 × 6 = (2 × 6) + 6 = 12 + 6 = 18.

Worked examples

3 × 6 = 18

  1. Double 6 is 12.
  2. Add one more 6: 18.

3 × 4 = 12

  1. Count 3, 6, 9, 12.
  2. That's four threes: 12.

Common mistake

Watch out: Losing your place when skip counting, e.g. 3, 6, 8.

Better: Add exactly 3 each time: 3, 6, 9, 12. Doubling then adding one group avoids slips.

Use it in real life

Three-scoop cones for 5 friends: 3 × 5 = 15 scoops.

Try it yourself

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Practise: 3× table

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Where you'll use this

Frequently asked questions

How do I learn the 3 times table?

Practise counting in threes — 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 — and use the fact that 3 × n is 2 × n plus one more n.

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