Tweaking a Multiplication Table

In summary, the conversation discusses ways to improve the formatting of multiplication tables on a forum. Suggestions include removing certain lines and using MathJAX or TikZ to create the tables. The final suggestions involve using a matrix of math nodes in TikZ to create the desired table format.
  • #1
topsquark
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I recently posted a couple of multiplication tables and I feel it needs a tweak:

\(\displaystyle \begin{array}{c||c|c|c|c|}
V & e & a & b & c \\
\hline \hline
e & e & a & b & c \\
a & a & e & c & b \\
b & b & c & e & a \\
c & c & b & a & e
\end{array}
\)

The LaTeX on the forum doesn't like the double lines || or = (as lines, not the equal sign!). Does anyone know how to make the lines bold faced or something? I feel the top line and first vertical line should be singled out in some way.

-Dan
 
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  • #2
Hey Dan,

There are some suggestions in https://mathhelpboards.com/tikz-pictures-63/4-element-4-element-multiplication-table-21434.html.
In particular a MathJAX suggestion and a TikZ suggestion.

To summarize:
Opalg said:
One way is to keep only those two lines and remove all the others: $$\begin{array}{c|cccc} + & a&b&c&d \\ \hline a&a&b&c&d\\ b&b&a&d&c \\ c&c&d&a&b \\ d&d&c&b&a \end{array}.$$

I like Serena said:
My previous TikZ suggestion had the 'problem' that math symbols had to have \$ symbols around them.
Turns out there is a better way by using a [M]matrix of math nodes[/M] instead of a [M]matrix of nodes[/M].
Then all nodes are already in math mode.
Other than that the solution is the same.
\begin{tikzpicture}
\usetikzlibrary{matrix}

\matrix (m) [nodes={minimum width=3em,minimum height=3ex},matrix of math nodes]
{
\times & 0 & 1 & \theta & \theta + 1 \\
0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0\\
1 & 0 & 1 & \theta & \theta + 1\\
\theta & 0 & \theta & \theta + 1 & 1 \\
\theta + 1 & 0 & \theta + 1 & 1 & \theta \\
};

\draw[very thick] (m-1-1.north east) -- (m-5-1.south east);
\draw[very thick] (m-1-1.south west) -- (m-1-5.south east);
\foreach \x in {2,...,5}{
\draw (m-1-\x.north east) -- (m-5-\x.south east);
\draw (m-\x-1.south west) -- (m-\x-5.south east);
}
\end{tikzpicture}
[latexs]\begin{tikzpicture}
\usetikzlibrary{matrix}

\matrix (m) [nodes={minimum width=3em,minimum height=3ex},matrix of math nodes]
{
\times & 0 & 1 & \theta & \theta + 1 \\
0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0\\
1 & 0 & 1 & \theta & \theta + 1\\
\theta & 0 & \theta & \theta + 1 & 1 \\
\theta + 1 & 0 & \theta + 1 & 1 & \theta \\
};

\draw[very thick] (m-1-1.north east) -- (m-5-1.south east);
\draw[very thick] (m-1-1.south west) -- (m-1-5.south east);
\foreach \x in {2,...,5}{
\draw (m-1-\x.north east) -- (m-5-\x.south east);
\draw (m-\x-1.south west) -- (m-\x-5.south east);
}
\end{tikzpicture}[/latexs]
 

1. How do you "tweak" a multiplication table?

There are several ways to tweak a multiplication table. Some common methods include changing the order of the rows and columns, adding or subtracting a constant to each number, and multiplying or dividing each number by a constant.

2. What is the purpose of tweaking a multiplication table?

Tweaking a multiplication table can help students better understand the relationship between numbers and how multiplication works. It can also make the table more visually appealing and easier to memorize.

3. Can tweaking a multiplication table affect the accuracy of the results?

Yes, depending on the type of tweak applied, it can affect the accuracy of the results. For example, if a constant is added or subtracted to each number, the results will be slightly different from the original table.

4. Is there a specific order in which to apply tweaks to a multiplication table?

No, there is no specific order. However, it is important to keep track of the tweaks applied in order to accurately interpret the results.

5. Are there any other benefits to tweaking a multiplication table?

Aside from helping with understanding and memorization, tweaking a multiplication table can also be a fun and creative way to practice math skills. It can also be used to challenge students to find patterns and make predictions about the results.

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