Q&A for How to Improve Mental Math Skills

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I find it difficult to work out math in my mind because I have difficulty in working it out with a pen and paper and I still get the answers wrong. What can I do?

Technist

Community Answer

You need to get your basic addition and multiplication skills very solid. Multiplying big numbers can really be broken up into multiplying and adding smaller numbers. Keep working and practicing with the pen and paper until you understand the concept you're learning. Then slowly let it sink into your mind and apply it to other questions.

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Can you explain 27 x 55 like above?

Technist

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You can try to visualize it in your head first by separating it into 27(50 + 5). 27 x 50 = 1350 and 27 x 5 = 135. Add them together, 1350 + 135 = 1485. Now try to do it all in your head.

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What techniques can I use to do division faster?

이한율

Community Answer

Start by dividing the first few digits of the dividend by the divisor, matching the number of digits with the divisor. If the result is less than 1, include one more digit from the dividend and divide again. Continue this process until the division is complete. For example, with 598 divided by 7, start with 59 divided by 7 since 5 divided by 7 is less than 1. Use the remainder from 59 divided by 7 to form 38, then divide 38 by 7. The final answer is 85 3/7, where 80 is from rounding 590 divided by 7.

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Why are mathematical tricks used, and what are their benefits?

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Mathematical tricks can help you perform quick calculations in real-life situations, such as estimating savings or guessing someone's age.

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How can I improve my ability to use logarithm tables?

Community Answer

See Use Logarithmic Tables .

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Could you recommend a useful app？

Community Answer

Khan Academy, Boddle, Gauth.

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I am really slow at addition and subtraction. I keep practicing, but it doesn't seem to work.

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There is no substitute for practice. Flash cards could help, especially if you're a visual learner.

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How do I do mental maths fast? In my school we get judged on time and I take time in calculating.

Community Answer

Speed comes with practice. Anyone who is fast at mental math has practiced a lot (as is true with most things)!

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The numbers get blurry in my head when I do mental maths, but I am great at written maths. I have a test soon. What can I do?

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Most tests involve written math (or the use of a calculator), so you should be all right.

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My maths calculation is weak, especially in division. What can I do?

I_l1ke_gam3s

Community Answer

Ask your teacher for help or get a tutor.

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How do you solve a square root problem without using a calculator?

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You will have to do it "by hand". See Calculate a Square Root by Hand and Find a Square Root Without a Calculator .

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Which techniques can I use to build the foundation for very good arithmetic skills without tricks?

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Community Answer

Memorize the basic math facts. If you keep practicing, you will definitely get better at math.

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I am very used to using my calculator when doing fractions. What can I do to stop that?

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Community Answer

You should see all the wikiHow articles about fractions . Those will be helpful.

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My adult child lacks basic "numbers sense." I am not necessarily talking about mental math, Just having a quick gut feeling, how important is a number? What could she do to improve this?

I_l1ke_gam3s

Community Answer

Try to ask her basic math facts. If she can't answer that, she'll probably need to get a tutor.

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My basics are clear but I have practiced more and more questions. Still speed is not achieved.

I_l1ke_gam3s

Community Answer

Try not to worry about speed. It's not the speed; it's how much you know about math. If you go too fast, you might make a calculation error in your mental math skills.

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How can I find help in mental maths?

I_l1ke_gam3s

Community Answer

Ask a tutor for help or ask your teacher for further instructions.

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What is the integer whose product with -13 is -351?

Community Answer

Divide -351 by -13. -351 / -13 = 27.

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What would I do to not make dumb mistakes on important work like tests?

Community Answer

Revise thoroughly before exam and try not to get stressed out. Make sure you have all the necessary materials before your test begins and put in effort. Read the questions very carefully before writing the answer. Try to manage time during the tests and re check it at least two or three times before handing it in.

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