---
title: "Extending Table Patterns"
description: "Recognise and use repeated reasoning to generalise: extend multiplication table patterns, derive unknown facts from known ones, and describe rules for sequences"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/extending-table-patterns-mt_2jbUekyTu4
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/extending-table-patterns-mt_2jbUekyTu4.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Extending Table Patterns

Recognise and use repeated reasoning to generalise: extend multiplication table patterns, derive unknown facts from known ones, and describe rules for sequences

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Mathematical Thinking · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/extending-table-patterns-mt_2jbUekyTu4

## Ready when they can

- Notice that all multiples of 4 are even and use this to check answers
- Derive 8 × 7 from 8 × 5 + 8 × 2 by spotting the pattern
- Describe a rule for a growing pattern (e.g. 'add 50 each time') and use it to predict the next terms

## Lesson: Stretching the Times Tables

You can use a fact you know to find a new fact. Multiples of 4 are even: 4, 8, 12, 16. A number pattern has a steady jump, such as 10, 20, 30 or 3, 6, 9. Say the jump, then use it again. To find a new product, split one factor into parts you know and add the smaller products.

*(drawing: This array shows 8 × 5 = 40. You already know this fact.)*

**Example.** To find 8 × 7, split 7 into 5 + 2. You know 8 × 5 = 40 and 8 × 2 = 16. Add them together: 40 + 16 = 56. So 8 × 7 = 56.

**Tip.** Here is a quick check: every multiple of 4 is even. If a × 4 answer is odd, go back and try again.

*(drawing: Check the gap between each number. If it stays the same, you found the rule. Use the rule to guess what comes next.)*

**Recap.** Break a new fact into facts you know and add them. For a pattern, find what is added each time, then predict what comes next.

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Generalising Patterns](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/generalising-patterns-mt_fZTn0W_iZR)
- [Skip Counting (4s, 8s, 50s, 100s)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/skip-counting-4s-8s-50s-100s-mt_IzQvs7k_sE)
- [Times tables (age 7+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/times-tables-age-7-mt_wQ89AEXhz3)

## Opens up

- [Generalising from repeated reasoning](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/generalising-from-repeated-reasoning-mt_aivrWs6jrS)