The ability to quickly count in your head is a skill that will be useful to every adult in everyday life.
It allows you to save time by not using a calculator and demonstrate a high level of intelligence. But many people believe that mental arithmetic is an innate talent, not an acquired skill.
In fact, anyone can speed up mental arithmetic if they follow simple tips and practice.
How to train counting speed
The main secret of fast counting is regular training. Like any other skill, the skill of mental calculation develops gradually. The more often you practice, the faster and easier it will be to count.
Start with simple problems. Add up several single-digit numbers, multiply them. Then move on to two-digit, three-digit numbers. When you can handle them, take four-digit and five-digit numbers. Complicate the problems gradually.
Train regularly, at least 5-10 minutes a day. Use every opportunity to count - in line, before bed, on the way to work.
Look for examples of counting in life - calculate the amount of purchases in the store, the amount of gas for filling up the car, the number of pages in a book. This will help consolidate the skill.
Useful tricks for fast counting
To learn to count quickly, use the following techniques:
Rounding off numbers simplifies calculations. For example, instead of 43 + 68 + 79, add 40 + 70 + 80. This saves time and reduces the likelihood of error.
Breaking down into digits makes addition and subtraction easier. To add 248 and 357, you can break the numbers down into 200 + 40 + 8 and 300 + 50 + 7. Adding the digits separately gives 500 + 90 + 15 = 605.
Use associations, connecting numbers and figures with specific images. For example, the number 5 can be associated with five. This will make it easier to remember and speed up calculations.
How to Multiply Numbers Fast
When multiplying numbers, use the following techniques:
- Round off factors to tens, hundreds, and other "round" numbers.
- Use properties of multiplication, such as the commutative property. Instead of 13 x 17, think 17 x 10 + 17 x 3.
- Break the product into parts. To find 123 x 456, you can calculate 100 x 400, 20 x 400, 100 x 50, and 20 x 50 separately.
- Use "quick" combinations such as multiplying by 5, 25 and 50.
Regular training will help you remember these techniques and learn to apply them as quickly as possible.
How to divide numbers quickly
To quickly divide in your mind:
- Round the dividend and divisor to prime numbers.
- Use long division, by place value.
- Apply the rule for dividing a sum by a number. For example, to divide 248 by 8, first break the number into 240 and 8.
- For larger numbers, use an estimate of the quotient. For example, when dividing 2468 by 21, the quotient is approximately 100.
- Develop your intuition and the skill of estimating the result - this will speed up calculations. Over time, you will learn to immediately determine the order of a number when dividing.
The main thing is practice and patience
The main secret of fast counting is regular training and patience. Gradually, calculations will take less time and will become easier. Do not give up if at first you do not succeed. Any skills develop over time, provided constant practice.
Fast mental arithmetic is a skill that is accessible to everyone. Practice daily, use useful techniques and soon you will be able to easily perform complex calculations in your head in a matter of seconds. This will save time and increase your self-esteem.
Previously, we talked about why housewives put aspirin when doing laundry .
Expert: Elena Gutyro
