Simple Methods to Perform Arithmetic Operations Mentally or Without the Need for Writing Tools
Are you tired of relying on calculators or scratch paper for simple addition and subtraction? Fear not! We've uncovered a collection of mental math tricks that will transform the way you solve arithmetic problems. These strategies are particularly beneficial for school students, competitive exam aspirants, and anyone seeking to solve math problems faster.
One such trick is the **Add from Left to Right** method. This technique helps in keeping track of big numbers. For instance, when adding 123 + 456, you'd start by adding 100 (from the leftmost digit of the first number) to 200 (from the leftmost digit of the second number), making it 300. Next, add the remaining digits from the right: 3 + 6 equals 9. Therefore, the sum is 300 + 9 = 509.
Another useful strategy is the **Use Complimentary Pairs** trick. This method employs pairs of numbers that add up to easy round figures. For example, when adding 29 + 71, you can think of it as 100 instead, making the calculation much simpler.
The **Subtract in Parts** trick breaks a number into smaller parts and subtracts them separately. For example, when subtracting 45 from 85, you can think of it as 85 - 40 (subtracting the tens place) then 45 - 5 (subtracting the units place).
The **Round Off and Adjust** trick rounds off a number and adjusts the result to account for the rounding error. For example, when adding 59 + 23, you can round 59 up to 60, add 23 to get 83, then subtract 1 to get 82.
The **Split Method (Break and Add)** involves breaking a number into smaller parts and adding them separately. For example, when adding 67 + 25, you can break it down into 67 + 20 + 5.
A bonus trick for adding or subtracting 9 quickly is to add or subtract 10 and then adjust by 1. For example, when adding 66 + 9, you can add 10 and then subtract 1 to get 75. If you want to subtract 9, you can subtract 10 and add 1.
To learn these mental math tricks, start by practicing strategies like rounding numbers to convenient values, then adjusting the result, and turning subtraction into addition for easier calculation. For example, when adding 398 + 764, you can round 398 up to 400, add 764 to get 1164, then subtract the 2 you added earlier to get 1162.
Additional useful tips include breaking numbers into parts for addition, using complementing numbers to reach the nearest ten or hundred for subtraction, practicing multiplying by 9 or 11 quickly, and playing math games such as Multiplication Bingo to make practicing these mental math tricks fun and more engaging.
Consistent practice of these methods and gradually challenging yourself with larger numbers will build confidence and speed in mental addition and subtraction without relying on pen and paper. Videos and tutorials demonstrating these tricks can be very helpful to watch and practice along with.
Lastly, for subtraction, you can use a number line visualization to count backwards from the second number to the first number. For example, when subtracting 100 - 78, you can count backwards from 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100. The difference between the first and second number, and each subsequent number, is the answer.
The **Round and Adjust** trick can be used in reverse for subtraction. For example, when subtracting 91 - 49, you can round 49 up to 50, subtract 91 from 50, then add back 1 (because we rounded down).
Practicing these tricks regularly can improve your ability to solve math problems quickly. Start with simple two-digit numbers and gradually move to larger numbers. Embrace these mental math tricks, and watch as your math skills soar!
These strategies, such as the Add from Left to Right method and the Round Off and Adjust trick, are valuable resources for education-and-self-development, particularly in the realm of online-education and learning. Consistent practice of these mental math tricks can not only enhance your math skills but also boost your confidence in solving problems faster, making you a more competent student or exam aspirant.
