Efficient Mental Math Tricks for Quick Calculations: A Guide

Mental math and quick calculations are valuable skills that can significantly improve your efficiency and confidence in handling mathematical problems both in daily life and professional settings. Here are some proven mental math tricks that can help you perform complex calculations with ease.

Multiplying by 11

One of the simplest and most useful tricks is multiplying any two-digit number by 11. Here's how it works: Consider a two-digit number like 36. To multiply it by 11, simply:

Take the first digit of the number (3). Add the first digit and the last digit together (3 6 9). Take the last digit of the number (6).

Example:

Multiplying 36 by 11:

First digit: 3 Middle digit: 3 6 9 Last digit: 6

The result is 396.

Multiplying by 1.8 and Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit

Quickly converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit is a handy skill. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (F), use the formula:

F C times; 1.8 32

Multiplying by 1.8 can seem daunting, but it becomes much easier with a simple trick. To multiply a number by 1.8:

Double the number. Subtract a tenth of the doubled number from the result.

Example:

Let's convert 25°C to Fahrenheit using this trick:

First, double 25: 50. Subtract one-tenth of 50 (5): 50 - 5 45. Add 32: 45 32 77°F.

For multiplying by 1.6, you can use the same approach, doubling the number and then subtracting a twentieth:

Double 45: 90. Subtract one-twentieth of 90 (4.5): 90 - 4.5 85.5. Divide by 10: 85.5 / 10 8.55. Add 32 for Fahrenheit.

Multiplying by 27

Another useful trick is multiplying by 27. To do this, treble (triple) the number, and then do it again:

For 101 x 27:

Example:

Triple 101: 303. Triple again: 909. Triple once more: 2727.

Alternatively, you can use the distributive property of multiplication:

101 x 27 101 x (20 7) (101 x 20) (101 x 7) 2020 707 2727.

Multiplying by 2.5

Multiplying by 2.5 can be broken down into simpler steps:

Multiply the number by 10. Half it twice. Or, multiply the number by 5, and then half it.

Example:

If you need to multiply 45 by 2.5:

Multiply by 10: 450. Halve it twice: 225, then 112.5. Multiply by 5 and halve it once: 225, then 112.5.

Resources for Learning Mental Math

For those looking to enhance their mental math skills, there are numerous resources available online. For example, MyPustak is a platform that provides free, quality-assured books for mental mathematics. All you need is a click to access a wide range of books that can help you develop this vital skill.

Switching from offline to online learning, MyPustak ensures that you can get your books quickly and easily. This platform makes learning mental math accessible and convenient, allowing you to improve your skills at your own pace.

So, whether you're a student, a professional, or just want to improve your quick calculation skills, these mental math tricks and resources can be incredibly helpful. Start using them today and witness the difference in your calculations!