Mental Math: Tricks, Uses and Strategies with Examples

Mental Math is a cognitive exercise where mathematical problems are solved mentally, without the aid of a calculator. The purpose of this practice is to enhance cognitive skills while improving focus and concentration. Let’s delve into what Mental Math entails and explore techniques to make solving these problems more manageable.

Mental Math – Tricks and Strategies

Mental Math Strategies for Addition: To simplify addition, break down larger numbers into smaller parts. For example, consider the problem of adding 35 and 59.

• Break down 35 into 30 + 5 and 59 into 50 + 9.
• Now, add 30 and 50, resulting in 80.
• Add 5 and 9 to obtain 14.
• Finally, add 80 and 14 mentally, yielding the answer 94.

This approach can make mental addition more efficient.

Mental Math Strategies for Subtraction: To streamline subtraction, break down larger numbers into smaller components. For instance, subtracting 38 from 75 can be tackled as follows:

• Split 75 into 70 and 5, and split 38 into 30 and 8.
• Compute 70 – 30, which equals 40.
• Calculate 5 – 8, resulting in -3.
• Finally, subtract 3 from 40 to obtain the answer 37.

Mental Math Strategies for Multiplication: In cases where multiplication tables are unfamiliar, think of multiplication as repeated addition. For example, to find 6 times 4:

• Add 4 six times: 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 24. Thus, 6 times 4 equals 24.

This technique can be applied to any multiplication problem, such as 6 times 5 (resulting in 30) or 7 times 3 (yielding 21).

Mental Math Strategies for Division: When dividing numbers like 324 by 2, use a step-by-step approach:

• First, divide the first two digits, 32 by 2, to get 16.
• Then, divide the third digit, 4 by 2, to obtain 2.
• Combine these results to arrive at the answer: 162.

This method simplifies division and can be applied to other division problems, such as dividing 144 by 2 (which results in 72).

With practice, these Mental Math tricks become more comfortable and efficient, enabling quicker mental calculations.

How is learning Mental Math Helpful? 

Let’s draw an analogy to illustrate the benefits of Mental Math. Analogies can often convey the advantages of a concept more effectively than listing them.

Consider the game of cricket, a sport that many of us enjoy playing. Despite years of practice in throwing and batting, most of us may never become professional cricketers. So, why do we invest so much effort in mastering the game? What’s the point of getting better at a skill that won’t lead to a career?

The answer lies in the multifaceted benefits of learning a skill. While we may not pursue a career in cricket, there are numerous reasons to engage in it. Some play for the joy of spending time with friends or for the physical fitness it offers. These are all valid reasons.

However, what often goes unnoticed is that learning a skill like cricket comes with a wide range of benefits beyond the sport itself. Playing cricket helps us develop communication and leadership skills. It fosters teamwork, as we learn to cooperate and strategize with our teammates to win matches. We also sharpen our strategic thinking as we consider the game from various angles to achieve victory. These skills acquired through cricket can be applied to other aspects of our lives and future careers.

The same principle applies to learning Mental Math. The primary objective is to train our minds to think critically and problem-solve effectively, enhancing our cognitive reflexes. While there are simpler methods to find answers or pursue a career, we choose the path of effort because it leads to learning and improvement.

In essence, just as there are easier ways to establish a career than becoming a professional cricketer, there are simpler methods to solve problems than using Mental Math, such as using a calculator. However, the effort we invest in Mental Math is valuable because it cultivates essential skills and enhances our mental capabilities through practice and learning.

Uses of Mental Math

1. Mental Math offers several valuable benefits, akin to a workout for the mind. It requires effort, much like lifting weights in a gym. While using a calculator is comparable to lifting a one-pound weight with minimal effort, engaging in Mental Math is akin to lifting a fifty-pound weight, requiring concentration and cognitive exertion. This practice enhances focus and concentration, sharpening our cognitive skills.
2. Additionally, Mental Math helps us develop the ability to ward off distractions. Solving Mental Math problems demands our complete attention and focus, as any distraction can disrupt our progress through the problem-solving process. In an age dominated by mobile phones and electronic devices, where attention spans are dwindling, this skill becomes increasingly vital.
3. Engaging in Mental Math can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, particularly for those who struggle with Math anxiety or believe they are not proficient in Mathematics. Learning Mental Math can profoundly alter their long-held negative perceptions and instill newfound confidence in their mathematical abilities.
4. Furthermore, Mental Math enhances our working memory, a specific type of memory crucial for problem-solving. As we tackle Mental Math problems, we must remember each step and its solution to apply it to subsequent steps. Starting with simpler problems and gradually progressing to more complex ones strengthens our working memory.
5. Moreover, Mental Math practice simultaneously stimulates both hemispheres of the brain. While the left side of the brain handles calculations, the right side visualizes the problem-solving process. This dual-brain engagement fosters enhanced connectivity between the two hemispheres, particularly beneficial for younger students whose brains are still developing. In essence, Mental Math training nurtures the collaboration of both sides of the brain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Mental Math?
   Ans. Mental math is the ability to perform calculations in your mind without the need for external tools like calculators or pen and paper. It involves conducting mathematical operations solely through mental processes.
2. How to Enhance Mental Math Skills?
   Ans. Improving your mental math skills can be achieved through various techniques designed to strengthen your mental calculation abilities. In this article, we will explore several methods that can help you enhance your mental math proficiency and reinforce your mental arithmetic capabilities.
3. Is It Possible to Learn Mental Math?
   Ans. Yes, mental math is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. It is not an innate talent but rather a skill that can be honed through practice and perseverance. Seeking guidance from a mentor or teacher who can guide you through the learning process is one effective approach. Alternatively, self-practice using flashcards or online courses can also be beneficial.
4. How to Practice Mental Math?
   Ans. To practice mental math effectively, it is essential to first grasp the fundamental principles of mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Once you have a solid foundation, you can challenge yourself with more complex problems to further refine your mental math abilities.
5. How Can I Improve Mental Calculation Speed?
   Ans. Are you looking to enhance your mental calculation speed? If so, consider these strategies:

• Maintain focus on the task at hand.
• Create mental visualizations of the numbers involved.
• Employ memory aids and mnemonic devices.
• Dedicate time to regular practice and repetition.

By implementing these techniques, you can accelerate your mental math capabilities.