Are you tired of staring at numbers and feeling like your brain is about to short-circuit? Is algebra like a terrifying monster lurking in the shadows of the classroom for you? Well, you aren’t the only one. A lot of us can’t seem to wrap our heads around math.
But fear not! Because we have some mind-boggling math tricks that can make calculations a breeze.
No more stressing out about mental math or relying on your trusty calculator. With these tips, you’ll impress your friends with lightning-fast calculations and make some math haters into math lovers (okay, let’s not get carried away). Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
1. Unit Conversions
Ah, the dread of converting one unit of measurement to another. It can seem like a tedious task only possible with a calculator. But what if we told you it was as easy as reciting the alphabet?
Let’s start with converting feet to centimeters. You simply need to remember the following:
1 foot = 30.48 centimeters
So, if you have 5 feet, that would be 5 x 30.48, or 152.4 cm.
Performing multiplication mentally needs practice. So, if you’re doing an important project and are new to this trick, we recommend relying on something other than this method. You can use Feetincm.com to double-check your answer.
This same trick works for all measurements, like miles to kilometers, ounces to grams, etc.
2. Adding Large Numbers
Doesn’t 2+2=4 feel like an innate truth you know without thinking about it? It’s different when it comes to bigger numbers. Adding them up can feel like a real challenge. But with this trick, you’ll be finished instantly: Take two large numbers and add the last digit of each number together, then the second-to-last digit, and so on.
For example, if you have to add 97 and 36, start with the last digits: 7+6=13. The second-to-last numbers are 9+3=12.
So, your answer is 133.
You can do this to an even larger number as well. Yes, you can add weird-looking three-digit without any stress. Just make them all a multiple of ten. Or, in easier terms, round them up to the closest ten.
Consider this: You have to add 437 and 598. Round them up to 440 and 600, respectively. Now add these two numbers. You get 1040.
But this isn’t your final answer. You’ll have to determine how much we added to the original numbers to get the rounded figures. Then add those numbers and subtract them from the total you calculated earlier.
Here’s what we mean:
Find the difference: 440-437+=3 and 600-598=2
Add the difference: 3+2=5
Subtract the difference from the sum: 1040-5=1035
Go ahead, test on your calculator!
3. Multiplying by 9
How cool would it be to get the correct answer to a multiplication problem without even multiplying? Yes, that’s possible.
Let’s take an example of 9 x 8. You have to subtract 1 from the number you’re multiplying by 9.
So, in this case, you’ll mentally do 8-1=7
7 is the first digit of your answer.
Your next step is to subtract this answer from 9 to get your second digit: 9-7=2
Put them together, and there’s your final answer: 72!
4. Let’s Find the Percentages
Have you ever been so stumped by a percentage calculation that you’ve wanted to curl up in a ball and hide? Well, now there’s no need to feel so helpless.
With this trick, you can quickly calculate the percentage of anything, from the latest sale at your favorite store to a test grade.
Let’s say you want to determine what 30% of 100 is. You must move the decimal point two places to the left and multiply it by 3.
So, 100.00 x 0.30 = 30
Simple as that!
If you have a trickier situation, like 5% of 454, all you need to do is move the decimal point one place to the left and divide your finding by 2.
So, 454 becomes 45.4. And when you divide it by 2, you get 22.7, which is your answer.
5. Find the Square of a number ending with 5 in seconds
We have to agree; finding squares scares even the bravest of us! It is a challenge if the answer is an odd number. But with this trick, you’ll find squares in no time!
Let’s say you have to find the square of 725.
Here are the steps to follow:
Multiply the Ten’s digit number by its next number.
72 x (72+1) or simply 72 x 73
You’ll get 5256
Next, find the square of the unit digit. You must already know the square of 5 by heart: 25.
Now, write all the numbers together.
525625! And done!
6. Multiply Any 2-Digit Numbers Between 11 and 19
Are you ready to boost your calculations by 80%? If so, try this out:
For instance, if you get into a tricky situation where you must multiply 13 and 15, you can use this trick to get the answer in a jiffy.
Step 1. First, add the unit digit of the smaller number to the entire larger number: 15+3=8
Step 2. Next, multiply the answer by 10: 18 x 10 = 180
Step 3. Multiply the unit digits of both numbers: 3 x 5 = 15
Step 4. Finish by adding both the numbers: 180+15=195
And there’s your answer.
7. Multiplying a 2-Digit Number by 11
It can be challenging to multiply a 2-digit number by 11, but with this trick, you’ll never experience that fear again.
Let’s say you have to multiply 52 and 11.
- Rewrite 52 as 5 (5+2) 2
- Now, solve the bracket: 5+2=7
- Write the answer in place of the bracket to get your final answer: 572!
Final Thoughts
Math is fun. So, don’t make it the bogeyman in your life. Instead, pick simple tricks to make your math journey easy. Luckily, the Internet is jam-packed with helpful resources and blogs that can help you master the art of quick calculations.
So, if you want to become a math wizard or simplify your daily equations, take advantage of the available tools and make math your best friend. It’ll pay when you have to budget or calculate a tip in an instant!