Why do multiplication tables end at 12?
See Also
Table of 12 (Multiplication Table 12, Twelve Times Table, Learn Easily)Learn and Practice the 11 and 12 Times Tables - Elementary MathMultiples of 12 - Difference between multiples and factors of 12Maths: Age 6–7 (Year 2) - Oxford Owl- MULTIPLICATION tables do not end at 12, they are infinite, but we only learn them up to 12 because they are difficult, we have calculators and as there used to be 12 pence in a shilling this was the most useful number for everyday ready reckoning at the grocer's shop.
Sarah McCartney, Ealing, London W5 (hg57@dial.pipex.com)
- THE TABLES don't stop at 12 - they go on for ever. Perhaps tables aren't taught above twelve because teachers find the 13 times table too difficult, or maybe because in pre-decimalisation days most probelms in mental arithmetic could just about be done by memorising tables up to 12. In France, for example, tables up to 20 are taught in schools. Incidentally, "decimalisation" made mental arithmetic more not less difficult in many common situations. Which is easier, working out the total cost of eight cabbages at 1s 5d each or at 17p ? Also, incidentally, there are much better ways to teach mental arithmetic than by memorising tables, e.g. starting by using the abacus. But these are not commonly used in the West. This might explain the reputed superiority of some South-East Asian countries' elementary school maths results.
Basil Smith, Kingston, near Lewes, East Sussex (basil.smith@btinternet.com)
