Mental Math Strategies
Learn the 14 core methods in order, then use the bonus lessons for extra reps and mixed review. Every lesson below also links to a free, focused practice page for the same skill.
Addition
- 0. Making 10 FirstBonus
Bridge through ten to make small additions easier to see and solve.
Practice addition → Add tens and ones in a consistent left-to-right sequence.
Practice addition →Break three-digit additions into manageable place-value steps.
Practice addition →Use place value and compensation for larger additions.
Practice addition →
Subtraction
Subtract with chunking and compensation instead of written borrowing.
Practice subtraction →Handle larger subtractions by working across place values.
Practice subtraction →
Multiplication
Build fast recall for the multiplication facts used by later lessons.
Practice times tables →Distribute a one-digit factor across tens and ones.
Practice multiplication →Scale the same distributive method to hundreds, tens, and ones.
Practice multiplication →Combine partial products without losing track of place value.
Practice multiplication →
Division
Split dividends into friendly chunks and recombine the quotients.
Practice division →Estimate, adjust, and verify larger quotients mentally.
Practice division →
Squares
Use algebraic patterns and nearby round numbers for two-digit squares.
Practice squares →Extend square identities to larger numbers with controlled steps.
Practice squares →
Percentages
Find useful percentages by decomposing them into familiar parts.
Practice percentages →
Bonus
- 15. Mixed ReviewBonus
Combine the core operations under time pressure and identify weak spots.
Take the speed test →