What is 8×9?

8 multiplied by 9 equals 72. Multiplying these two numbers together results in a product of 72.

Certainly, here’s a simple table showing the multiplication of 8 by 9:

Calculation	Result
8 x 9	72

Multiplication is a foundational math skill that we rely on for all sorts of daily calculations and tasks. Multiplication combines equal groups of numbers together efficiently. Being able to multiply numbers quickly and accurately provides the basic numeracy needed for higher math concepts, financial literacy, and analytical reasoning. In this post, we’ll work through the simple multiplication problem 8 x 9 step-by-step and also explore some key strategies and insights on mastering basic multiplication.

Understanding the Problem

Let’s start by interpreting exactly what this multiplication problem is asking us to do. We are being asked to multiply the two whole numbers 8 and 9 together. No other information is provided, so we can set up the problem:

8 x 9 = ?

Our goal is to multiply these single digit factors correctly to find the product. Let’s recall some properties of multiplication to ensure we approach this methodically.

Properties of Multiplication

Multiplication has certain defined properties, including:

• It is commutative – 8 x 9 = 9 x 8. Order does not matter.
• It is distributive – 8 x (9 + 2) = (8 x 9) + (8 x 2). Can distribute to terms in parentheses.
• 0 is the identity element – 8 x 0 = 0. Multiplying by 0 gives you 0.
• Anything multiplied by 1 remains unchanged. 8 x 1 = 8.

Keeping these facts in mind, let’s multiply 8 and 9.

Multiplying 8 x 9

Using simple mental math, most could quickly determine:

8 x 9 = 72

You might recall the finger-counting method from childhood, visualize a multiplication table, or just know single-digit products reflexively. Let’s break the process down explicitly, though.

We have eight 9s being added together:

9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9

There are eight 9s, so:

8 x 9 = 72

Checking Our Work

We can double-check that 8 x 9 = 72 using a different approach:

9 x 10 = 90 90 – 9 = 81 81 – 8 = 72

Taking 9 groups of 10, then subtracting the extra groups of 9 and 8, gives us 72 again. Getting the same product by two methods verifies our initial work was accurate.

Key Takeaways

Let’s recap some key points for developing multiplication proficiency:

• Memorizing basic single-digit products leads to fluency. Quick recall is key.
• Looking for patterns and shortcuts like factoring can make math easier. Be strategic.
• Understanding properties like commutativity underlies manipulation of numbers.
• Checking work builds diligence and confidence in solutions. Catch any errors.
• Consistent practice of even basic problems hones skills and number sense.

Conclusion

In this post, we walked through step-by-step how to easily multiply 8 x 9, while also reviewing fundamental multiplication principles. Often it’s the simple problems that reveal deeper lessons. Explaining the thought process reinforces multiplication competency and flexible thinking.

Regular practice of basic math facts and procedures establishes skills critical for more advanced equations. Each solved problem represents one small step towards math mastery. Consistently working through simple and complex problems alike yields the multiplication fluency needed to handle calculations in science, accounting, analytics and more – unlocking a world of opportunity.