This book isdedicated to my greatest source of support-my parents.
Chapter 1- Mental Math Arithmetic- Getting Rid of the Calculator
Mental calculations use only thehuman mind in order to find a solution to a mathematical problem. The humanbrain is used as a calculation tool, and the end results are determined from amental computation of the arithmetic data itself. A calculator or computer isnot used to find the end result of the arithmetic problem.
Techniques
Various mental techniques arefrequently used to find a correct answer for a mental math calculation; thesemental math techniques usually take advantage of the decimal and numeralsystems. There are certain systems that may be used, and the method that ischosen is determined by the particular calculations that are being performed. Aradix may be used for easy tasks that simply use a decimal point location todecide the correct answer for a math problem. Multiplying and dividing by 10can be accurately done by moving the decimal point to the correct place withinthe numbers being used. A hexadecimal system needs to be used when the mathproblem uses other multiplying or dividing numbers. Using the number seven as amultiplier or divider may create a more complex mental math problem.
Techniques and Other Methods
There are other techniques andmethods that may be used to find the correct answers to mental math arithmeticproblems. The sum of the first nine digits of a group of nine numbers may beadded, and this group of nine digits is called an operand. This technique usesthe sum of the digits and several other operations to arrive at a correctanswer. This particular method is called casting out nines. This type of mentalmath calculation may be used after a certain number of practice sessions inorder to determine the correct sequence of operations needed.
Estimation and Mental MathArithmetic
A second method that is used formental math arithmetic is a technique called estimation. This type of mentalmath uses a necessary scaling of the numbers. This estimation will instruct themental math user to estimate the number of digits and to be aware of theexpected number of digits for the correct answer. Counting the number of digitsfor the final answer can assure the mental math processor that the answer iswithin an expected range and has the correct number of digits.
Factors Involved
The characteristics of the operandsinvolved will help to determine various features of the final answer;multiplying two factors that each end in 5 will indicate that the correctanswer should end in 5 as well. A number that is a multiple of two certainnumbers may require that the answer be a multiplier of the two factors thatwere originally used. Prime numbers and prime factors help to determine thetype of outcome for a set of multipliers as well.
Guessing an Answer
Guessing an answer may be used whencertain amounts of information are known. A target number may be used in orderto keep the final guess answer within a certain range of numbers.
Multiplying From Right to Left
This method of mental matharithmetic is often used when the digits are small. The first two digits on theright are multiplied together, and the remainder is carried over to the nextset of two digits on the left. This technique is repeated until the finalnumber is determined.
Multiplying By 5
This mental math arithmetic is asimple math calculation. The number is multiplied by 10 and then divided by 5.Mental math arithmetic uses this calculation frequently when the multiplier isa prime number such as 5.
Psychological Skill
Mental math arithmetic uses acertain amount of mental exertion and psychological skill in order to arrive ata correct answer. Mental and physical exertion must be exercised at aparticular level in order to produce a certain performance level. Physicalexercise tends to enhance mental performance as well. A mental work load mayneed a certain degree of physical ability in order for the performance to becorrect and effective.
Perception and motor ability havebeen correlated. Over exertion physically has been determined to have anegative effect on cognitive skill level. There tends to be a certain balanceof cognitive and physical exertion that needs to be reached in order to producea maximum outcome of mental performance. This mental performance level isneeded in order to correctly perform certain activities.
Summary
Mental math arithmetic is thecalculation of numerical outcomes using only the brain as a calculation tool. Acalculator or computer is not used. There are various ways to determine thecorrect outcome of a mental arithmetic problem by using several techniques andmethods. These methods use multipliers and number sequencing. There are uniquecharacteristics for some number factors and operands that may be used.
This special method can assist infinding the correct answer by using only the person's mind and psychologicalmakeup. The psychological makeup of an individual may be influenced by thecorrelation between the person's mental ability and the person's overallfitness level.
Chapter 2- Secrets to MentalArithmetic- 10 Ways to Add Without a Calculator
Among the fast learners, learning toadd without a calculator is extremely easy. Although there are those people whoare gifted in doing all forms of calculations without a calculator, there arethose too who by regular practice can as well learn how to make this happen.This actually makes someone appear smart and be perceived as a genius. However,it may take time before one can be able to add off head and give an error freeanswer. The key to making this happen is by first mastering the small numberslike 0 to 5 before starting working with the bigger numbers like from 6 to 9.
One may also opt for the manual formof addition. This usually involves the use of a scribbling board or paper. Onecan then roughly draw pieces of sticks or any other symbols and manuallycalculate them. Whereby a lot of symbols have to be drawn, one can createbundles of each, either after every five or ten symbols so as to make additioneasier. This is the very same way that young kids learn in school. The maindisadvantage of this method is that it is time consuming.