What are the math facts?
Math has lots of “facts” for children to learn. But when we talk about the math facts, we’re talking about the basic single-digit number relationships for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
- Addition facts: 1 + 1 up to 9 + 9
- Subtraction facts: 2 – 1 up to 18 – 9
- Multiplication facts: 1 × 1 up to 10 × 10
- Division facts: 1 ÷ 1 up to 100 ÷ 10
The math facts are the building blocks for all of the more complicated calculations that kids need to learn, like multi-digit multiplication, long division, adding and subtracting fractions, and more.
When kids don’t learn the math facts, they struggle with these harder topics, because they waste so much of their energy on simple calculations. That’s why it’s so essential for your kids to learn these math facts by heart.
When should your kids learn the math facts?
American math programs usually teach the math facts on this schedule (although different publishers may vary a little):
- Addition facts: 1st grade
- Subtraction facts: 2nd grade
- Multiplication facts: 3rd grade
- Division facts: 4th grade
Each set of facts builds logically on the previous one. So, no matter what grade your child is in, it’s essential that he learn the math facts in this order. If you have a third-grader who doesn’t know the addition facts, start there before moving on to subtraction and multiplication.
Let’s do this!
Ready to help your kids master the math facts? Click below on the in-depth articles on how to tackle each set of math facts. Don’t miss the free, printable assessments you can use to check whether your kids know their math facts, too
Learning the math facts doesn’t have to mean hours of boring, tedious flash card drill. With the right games and teaching techniques, your kids may even find it fun!
Everything You Need to Know to Teach Your Child the Addition Facts
A complete guide to teaching your child the addition facts, including the best practice resources, free printable games, and the missing piece of the puzzle that makes memorizing the facts faster and easier.
Your Complete Guide to Teaching Your Child the Subtraction Facts
Everything you need to know to teach your child the subtraction facts, without hours of rote memorization, counting on fingers, or flash cards.
Multiplication Facts That Stick: How to Teach the Times Tables
Learn a simple and efficient method for teaching your child the times tables. Plus, the #1 mistake parents make when teaching their kids the multiplication facts.
How to Teach the Division Facts
This simple and efficient method will help your child build on what she knows about multiplication to become automatic and fluent with the division facts.