What is Mental Math? (Explained in Simple Terms)
5 min read · Jun 20, 2024
Table of contents
Hey there!
Welcome to the first chapter in my mental math series.
Today we're going to answer the question; what is mental math?
Introduction
Mental math is the art of solving math problems in your head without reaching for a calculator or pen and paper.
Sidenote: It's also known as mental arithmetic, quick math, or fast math (and in German, Kopfrechnen… hehe).
Now, it isn't some new-fangled idea. It's been around for ages, going all the way back to the Sumerian abacus.
But don't let that fool you - it's just as important today as it ever was. Maybe even more so (in school where basic arithmetic operations are emphasized, but it also gives you a real edge in business and everyday life).
At its core, mental math is about training your brain to handle numbers like a pro. It's not just adding and subtracting (though that's where you start). As you get better, you'll be tackling multiplication, division, percentages - you name it!
Techniques and Strategies for Improving Mental Math
Mastering mental math requires a combination of basic, intermediate, and advanced techniques.
Sidenote: I'll only give an overview of these. If you actually want to learn mental math and its details, I recommend Mental Math Pro.
Let's explore each.
Basic Techniques
First things first, focus on memorization of essential math facts (such as multiplication tables and basic multiplication facts).
Once you've got that down, start breaking down complex problems into simpler steps, working with whole numbers before progressing to decimals.
For example, when adding 47 and 65. First break it down to 40 + 60 = 100. Then 7 + 5 = 12. And finally combine these to get 112.
Here's a trick: When adding big numbers, round them up or down. You'll simplify complex calculations and quickly arrive at a good ballpark. This is useful in real-life situations where a rough estimate is often sufficient.
Intermediate Techniques
Once you've got the basics down, you'll start juggling bigger numbers (up to three-digit numbers) in your head.
This involves techniques like breaking numbers into their place values and working from left to right.
What about percentages and fractions? You'll learn shortcuts.
For example, recognizing that 10% of a number is simply that number divided by 10, or that 25% is that number divided by 4.
Advanced Techniques
If you really want to blow the competition out of the water, there are advanced systems (like the Trachtenberg method or the abacus method).
These techniques, often used in mental calculation competitions, are like the secret weapons of mental math.
But remember this: all the fancy mental math tricks in the world won't help you if you don't practice!
It's a point I talk about all the time (and also why my mental math practice tool is free).
It took one math YouTuber 30 hours to get sufficiently good. Which sounds about right (1 hour a day for a month).
Benefits of Mental Math
Alright, let's talk about why mental math is such a big deal.
It's not just about impressing your math teacher - this skill can give you real educational and cognitive benefits.
Educational Benefits
By manipulating numbers in your head, you develop a deeper number sense and intuition for how they relate to each other.
Once you get this, you'll find learning more advanced math concepts easier and perform complex math calculations more efficiently in the future.
Cognitive Benefits
Mental math strengthens both long-term and working memory and enhances your overall problem-solving skills (it's like lifting weights for your brain).
Why? Because when performing mental calculations, you need to hold multiple pieces of information in your mind simultaneously.
Over time, this can lead to remembering everything better - not just math, but everything.
Moreover, regular practice can significantly improve your mental speed and accuracy (the more comfortable you become with numbers, the more you'll be able to process them faster and with fewer errors).
Applications of Mental Math in Daily Life
Now, here's where the rubber meets the road. Mental math isn't just for the classroom - it's for real life.
Let's look at some examples.
Everyday Scenarios
Shopping is perhaps one of the most obvious applications.
Imagine being able to quickly estimate the total cost of items in your shopping cart.
Or imagine knowing in a split second whether a discount/ deal is good or not. When you see that "20% off!" sign, you should be able to figure out the real price faster than you can blink.
And time management? Boy, that's crucial.
If you can estimate travel times, calculate how long tasks will take, or determine when to leave for an appointment, you're always going to be one step ahead.
Even in the kitchen (!!), mental math is your friend. Scaling recipes? Dividing portions? It's all math.
But here's the real kicker: strong mental math skills can make you a better decision-maker.
Professional Use
In business, the person who can crunch numbers in their head wins. While everyone else is fumbling for their calculators, you'll be the one with the answers.
That's how you impress the big shots and climb the ladder.
Educational Settings
From elementary school through high school, mental math builds a strong foundation for the advanced mathematical concepts they'll throw at you later.
Plus, it's on all those standardized tests. So master this, and you'll be leaving your classmates in the dust.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Alright, let's talk about the roadblocks you might hit when you're trying to master mental math.
As with most challenges, the key is knowing what you're up against and how to tackle it head-on.
Common Challenges
First off, you're going to find it tough to keep multiple digits in your head while you're crunching them (I know this first-hand).
And then there's the pressure. When you're trying to do math in your head with someone watching you, it can lead to anxiety and errors.
Overcoming Challenges
But don't sweat it. Here's how you beat this thing: practice, practice, practice!
You'll hear me say this all the time. I went as far as putting it in the homepage.
Start small and work your way up.
There are all sorts of apps and websites (ehem), and math games out there that can help you practice.
Support and Resources
Now, if you really want to get serious about this, there are books and apps out there that can teach you all sorts of tricks.
Also, don't go it alone. Find yourself a study group or join some online forums - you can share ideas, learn from each other, and keep yourself motivated.
Conclusion
Alright, let's wrap this up.
Mental math isn't just some fancy trick - it's a tool that'll serve you every day of your life. Whether you're in school, in business, or just trying to figure out if you're getting a good deal at the store, being quick with numbers gives you an edge.
Now, I know it might seem tough at first (heck, everything worth doing is tough at first). But start small, keep at it, and before you know it, you'll be crunching numbers in your head faster than others can reach for their calculator!
See you in the next chapter 🙂 Be well.
About the author
Richard Reis
Founder of Mental Math Pro! Also currently doing a fun little "25 AI Startups in 50 Weeks" challenge.
