The 2 times table makes even numbers
Every number in this pattern is even because it can be made from pairs.
Year 2
Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables, including recognising odd and even numbers
Recall key facts for the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, use the matching division facts, and notice whether a number is odd or even.
Lesson overview
Number - multiplication and division
Times-table facts belong to fact families. If 5 x 3 = 15, then 3 groups of 5 make 15 and 15 divided by 5 equals 3. In Year 2 we build the 2, 5 and 10 tables by seeing equal groups, counting in steps and spotting patterns. Numbers that can be paired with nothing left over are even. If one is left over, the number is odd.
A 5 times table fact family
3 groups of 5 counters make 15.
Use the multiplication fact and the matching division fact together.
5 x 3 = 15 and 15 ÷ 5 = 3
Use the multiplication fact and the matching division fact together.
The 10 times table grows in tens
Multiples of 10 end in 0, so they are quick to spot.
Odd and even check
13 can be paired, but 1 is left over.
An odd number has one left over when it is grouped into pairs.
13 is odd
An odd number has one left over when it is grouped into pairs.
Worked example
Use the 5 times table to work out 5 x 4 and 20 ÷ 5, then decide whether 20 is odd or even.
4 groups of 5 make 20.
The same fact family helps with multiplication and division.
5 x 4 = 20 and 20 ÷ 5 = 4
20 can be split into pairs with nothing left over.
Even numbers can be grouped into pairs exactly.
20 is even
- Start with 4 equal groups of 5.
- Count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20.
- So 5 x 4 = 20.
- Use the matching division fact: 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
- 20 can be paired with nothing left over, so 20 is even.
Try it
Use the picture or pattern, then recall the matching fact.
Question 1
Complete the fact: 2 x 4 = __
4 groups of 2 make the same total.
Count in 2s or count the equal groups.
2 x 4 = 8
Question 2
Which division fact matches 10 x 4 = 40?
Question 3
Which number is even?
18 can be paired with no leftover counters.
Even numbers split into pairs exactly.
18 is even
Question 4
Complete the pattern in 5s: 5, 10, 15, __, 25
Question 5
Why is 11 odd?
11 makes pairs and 1 counter is left over.
Odd numbers leave one out when paired.
11 is odd
Common mistakes
Watch for these when using tables facts and checking odd or even.
- Mixing up the number of groups and the number in each group.
- Remembering a multiplication fact but not using the matching division fact.
- Thinking every multiple of 5 is odd, even though the pattern alternates odd and even.
- Calling a number even without checking whether it can be paired exactly.
Related topics
These ideas support multiplication and division fluency in Year 2.
- Count in steps of 2, 3, and 5 from 0, and in tens from any number, forwards and backwards.
- Calculate mathematical statements for multiplication and division within the multiplication tables and write them using the multiplication, division and equals signs.
- Solve problems involving multiplication and division, using materials, arrays, repeated addition, mental methods, and multiplication and division facts.