Real-life hook

Nine is almost ten. So 9 × 4 is nearly 10 × 4. Take 40 and remove one group of 4 to get 36.

See it

9 rows of 3 = 27

The idea

Build ×9 from ×10: 9 × a number is 10 × the number, minus one group. 9 × 4 = 40 − 4 = 36. Bonus pattern: the digits of each answer add up to 9 (3 + 6 = 9).

Worked examples

9 × 4 = 36

10 × 4 = 40.
Take away one 4: 36.

9 × 7 = 63

10 × 7 = 70.
Take away one 7: 63.

Common mistake

Watch out: Adding a group instead of subtracting, e.g. 9 × 4 = 44.

Better: ×9 = ×10 minus one group: 40 − 4 = 36. Check: digits 3 + 6 = 9.

Use it in real life

Nine seats per row, 3 rows: 9 × 3 = 27 seats.

Where you'll use this

Almost-ten amounts
Nine-packs
Prices like 9 per item

Frequently asked questions

What is the 9 times table trick?

Multiply by 10 and subtract one group. 9 × 6 = 60 − 6 = 54. As a check, the two digits always add to 9 (5 + 4 = 9).

The 9 times table