Think Quickly and Calculate Quicker: Mental Arithmetic Skills Hacks

Without the use of a calculator or paper and pencil, mental arithmetic is a method for performing calculations mentally. It is a helpful ability to possess, particularly in circumstances where a calculator or a pen and paper are not easily accessible. We will go over the advantages of mental arithmetic, the methods employed to do it, and how to hone your mental arithmetic abilities in this guide.

Advantages of mental arithmetic

Among the advantages of mental computation are:

Memory Gain: Mental arithmetic is a brain activity that assists with memory retention.

Increased Speed and Accuracy: Mental arithmetic improves calculating speed and accuracy, which helps you finish tasks more quickly

Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Mental arithmetic aids in the development of problem-solving abilities, which make it possible for you to tackle complicated issues more quickly.

Improved Concentration: Mental arithmetic calls for a lot of concentration, which helps you focus and concentrate better.

Techniques for Mental Arithmetic

There are several techniques used to perform mental arithmetic. Some of these techniques include:

Addition and Subtraction

The most basic mental arithmetic technique involves adding and subtracting numbers in your head. This technique involves breaking down numbers into smaller parts and adding or subtracting them.

Let's say you need to add 37 and 22 in your head.

To use the mental arithmetic technique of breaking down numbers into smaller parts, you could:

Break down 37 into 30 and 7, and then add 22 to each part separately:

30 + 20 = 50

7 + 2 = 9

Then, you would add those two answers together:

50 + 9 = 59

So the answer to 37 + 22 is 81.

Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division can also be performed mentally using techniques such as grouping and halving.

Let's say you need to multiply 25 by 8 in your head.

To use the mental arithmetic technique of grouping, you could:

Group the number 25 into two smaller numbers that are easier to work with, such as 20 and 5.

Then, you can use the distributive property of multiplication to break down the multiplication into simpler operations:

25 x 8 = (20 + 5) x 8

25 x 8 = 20 x 8 + 5 x 8

Multiply each smaller number by 8:

20 x 8 = 160

5 x 8 = 40

Add the two answers together:

160 + 40 = 200

So the answer to 25 x 8 is 200.

To use the mental arithmetic technique of halving, let's say you need to divide 48 by 6 in your head.

Start by halving the dividend (48) and divisor (6) until you get a smaller, easier-to-work-with problem. Keep halving until you get to a point where you can solve the problem mentally.

Divide the dividend by the divisor:

48 ÷ 6 = (24 ÷ 3) = (8 ÷ 1) = 8

So the answer to 48 ÷ 6 is 8.

Dividing by 10, 100, 1000, and multiples:

Let's say you need to divide 245 by 10 in your head.

o use the mental arithmetic technique of dividing by 10, you simply move the decimal point one place to the left:

245 ÷ 10 = 24.5

So the answer to 245 ÷ 10 is 24.5.

Now, let's say you need to divide 1320 by 100 in your head.

To use the mental arithmetic technique of dividing by 100, you move the decimal point two places to the left:

1320 ÷ 100 = 13.20

So the answer to 1320 ÷ 100 is 13.20.

Multiplying numbers by 10, 100, and 1000, and their multiples:

Let's say you need to multiply 48 by 100 in your head.

To use the mental arithmetic technique of multiplying by 100, you move the decimal point two places to the right:

48 x 100 = 4800

So the answer to 48 x 100 is 4800.

Now, let's say you need to multiply 76 by 1000 in your head.

To use the mental arithmetic technique of multiplying by 1000, you move the decimal point three places to the right:

76 x 1000 = 76,000

So the answer to 76 x 1000 is 76,000.

Read more "Making Math Fun: 4 Exciting Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Math Abilities"

Squaring and Cubing

Squaring and cubing involve multiplying a number by itself or by itself twice, respectively. Techniques such as adding and subtracting squares or cubes can be used to perform these calculations mentally.

Let's say we want to find the square of 16 in our head. We can recognize that 16 is close to (10+6)^2, and use the reduced multiplication formula:

16^2=(10+6)^2=10^2+2*10*6+6^2=100+120+36=256

The reduced multiplication formula is used (a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2

Developing Your Mental Calculation Skills

Practice and commitment are necessary to improve your mental arithmetic abilities. Here are some pointers to help you sharpen your mental computation abilities:

Practice Every Day: To hone your abilities and boost your speed and accuracy, practice mental arithmetic every day.

Break Down Numbers: To make calculations easier, divide large numbers into smaller components.

Utilise memory tricks: To remember numbers and calculations, use memory tricks like visualisation or mnemonics.

Discover shortcuts: To boost your speed, learn shortcuts for simple mathematics like dividing by two or multiplying by ten.

A vital talent to have is mental arithmetic, which can boost problem-solving abilities, speed and accuracy, and memory. Utilising the methods and advice in this manual can help you develop your mental math abilities and make calculations more quickly and accurately.

We hope this article has been helpful in educating you on mental arithmetic and how to hone your abilities. Contact us at any time if you have any inquiries or comments.