Fruitful multiplication

SIR – In my school in Liverpool in the 1940s, the chanting of times tables (Letters, November 25) rang around the corridors shortly after register at 9am. It was a confidence-boosting exercise, as enjoyable as it was necessary.

Alex Robb Liverpool

SIR – Times tables were something “we did in our family” too (Letters, November 25), despite my sons’ primary school not teaching them in the 2000s.

I bought a pack of flashcards, and added the incentive of a penny per instant correct answer. Progress was rapid, as a full house of 110 earned what seemed a fortune to a small child. Frances Williams

Swindon, Wiltshire

SIR – When I was a primary school pupil in the 1950s my times tables were drilled into me, and I am thankful for it.

However, I still remember a question in my 11-plus examination that asked: “Which number multiplied by itself makes 169?”

I was mentally working my way through the 12 times table when my class teacher whispered: “Thirteen thirteens”.

Mary Moore

Croydon, Surrey