Visual Multiplication Intro

Learn the multiplication table not only by memorization but by intuitive visualization. The practice exercise lets you complete the table by filling in the cells for each row and column with a numbered bead. You can perform a visual demonstration of any multipliplication problem by tapping on its cell position in the table. That will bring up a new screen that shows a grid with rows and columns. Tap on the row and column numbers that represent the factors to be multiplied. You then see colored tiles appear in each of the grid cells belonging to the selected rows and columns. Tap or slide your finger along the tiles to count their total, which is the answer to the multiplication problem.

To gain further practice, the application includes a fun game that also shows multiplication problems visually. The game shows a maze-like layout of chambers and connecting corredors. The vertical and horizontal dimension of each chamber represent a multiplication problem. The object of the game is to guide a numbered bead through the corredors into the chamber that matches the bead’s number. For example, you would guide a bead numbered 12 into a 3x4 size chamber, or a 10 bead into a 2x5 chamber. A spherical trackball control lets you “dial” the numbers for the beads. You can guide the beads through the corredors by placing your finger anywhere on the screen to attract the bead toward your finger’s position. You can alternately use gravity to guide the bead by tilting the device in any direction so that the bead rolls in the downhill direction of the tilt.

The Pool Table game that is also included is not your traditional billiards. You perform multiplications by choosing 2 numbered balls whose multiplication product will equal the number on one of the pockets. You then strike one ball into the other so that it lands in the correct pocket. The simple instructions show you how to direct and strike the balls with easy, intuitive sliding and tapping gestures.