#Mental math calculator how to#

While this may seem like a lot of steps, once you get the hang of it, you can do this really quickly in your head. The next trick is to change the numbers we are multiplying. Either way, it isn’t as hard as most people think it is. Since 12×20 and 12×3 are easy to do in the head, multiplying 12×23 can be just as easy if you can keep track of a few extra numbers. The trick here is to rewrite one of the numbers as the sum of two numbers we can easily multiply, then use distributive property to make the one multiplication the sum of two easier multiplications. You can always break these numbers down into problems that are much easier to do in your head:įirst let’s look at something like 12×20. Not too hard to do by hand or calculator, but when most are asked what the answer is without a calculator, their response is without thought, “I do not know”. Here are some tips for doing mental math: When the numbers start to get more complex thought, people get very frustrated and don’t even attempt to figure it out without a calculator.

#Mental math calculator how to#

Most of us know our multiplication tables and how to multiple or divide some easier numbers. Nowadays, kids rely heavily upon their calculator for simple arithmetic.