What is Mental Maths? A Guide for Beginners

Math is a part of our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. From estimating grocery bills to calculating travel time, we constantly use numbers to make decisions. 

One of the most important mathematical skills is mental maths, the ability to perform calculations in your head without using a calculator, paper, or any external tool. 

This blog discusses the concept of mental maths in detail, including its benefits and effective techniques to help your child develop this essential skill.

Read More: Top 10 Tricks to Master Mental Maths

What is Mental Maths?

Mental maths is solving math problems in your head without using a calculator, paper, or fingers. Mental math uses visualization techniques to help children compute numbers quickly.

Initially, learning begins with tools like the abacus, but as children progress, they engage with flashcards, activity books, arithmetic logic, and number manipulation. 

Research suggests that mastering mental math at an early age enhances brain development, equipping children with strong analytical and problem-solving skills that support lifelong success.

Read More: Fun Math Activities for Kids to Develop Calculation Speed

Why is Mental Maths Important for Kids?

Here are a few ways mental maths helps children grow and succeed:

1. Boosts Brainpower and Whole-Brain Development

Mental maths engages both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The left side handles logical and analytical tasks, while the right side is responsible for creativity and visualization. 

By regularly performing mental calculations, children strengthen their brain functions on both sides, improving their overall cognitive ability. This results in better academic performance and enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills in real-life situations.

2. Improves Understanding of Math Concepts

Instead of just memorizing formulas and tables, mental maths encourages a deeper understanding of numbers and mathematical relationships. 

Children who practice mental arithmetic can quickly break down problems into smaller parts and solve them logically. 

This helps them reduce their fear of maths and become more confident in handling complex problems. A strong foundation in mental maths ensures that children excel in higher-level mathematical concepts as they progress in their education.

3. Reduces Errors and Increases Accuracy

One of the biggest challenges in mathematics is making mistakes in calculations. Mental maths sharpens a child’s ability to spot and correct errors instantly. 

When children practice solving problems mentally, they develop a keen awareness of numbers, reducing the chances of miscalculations.

Since mental maths requires children to process numbers without relying on external tools, they become more attentive and accurate in their problem-solving approach.

4. Strengthens Visualization and Memory Power

Mental maths enhances a child’s ability to visualize numbers and patterns in their mind. When solving problems without writing them down, children create mental images of numbers, which improves their memory and concentration. 

This skill is not only useful in maths but also benefits subjects like science, engineering, and even art. A child with strong visualization skills can better grasp geometry, physics, and logical reasoning tasks.

5. Makes Learning Maths Fun and Engaging

Many children struggle with maths because they find it boring or difficult. Mental maths, especially when taught using fun techniques like the Abacus method, helps transform maths into an exciting and interactive subject. 

Children who can solve problems quickly and efficiently using mental shortcuts gain a sense of accomplishment. This builds their confidence and turns maths into an enjoyable activity instead of a stressful one.

Read More: Quick Calculation Techniques for School Students

Mental Maths Short Tricks

Here are some easy mental maths tricks for addition, subtraction, and multiplication that can be used in daily life and schoolwork.

Addition and Subtraction Tricks

Many students find addition and subtraction tricky, especially when carrying or borrowing numbers. A great way to simplify calculations is by working from left to right, which helps process numbers logically and reduces errors.

Fast Addition Using Left-to-Right Method

Example 1: 68 + 47

• Break 47 into 40 + 7

• First, add 68 + 40 = 108

• Then, add 108 + 7 = 115

Example 2: 236 + 479

• Break 479 into 400 + 70 + 9

• First, add 236 + 400 = 636

• Then, add 636 + 70 = 706

• Finally, add 706 + 9 = 715

By following this method, large sums become easier to solve in steps rather than all at once.

Read More: How to Prepare for Math Olympiads with Mental Maths

Simplified Subtraction Without Borrowing

Subtraction can be tricky, especially when borrowing is involved. Instead, breaking numbers down makes it simpler.

 Example: 923 - 586

• First, subtract 923 - 500 = 423

• Then, subtract 423 - 80 = 343

• Finally, subtract 343 - 6 = 337

This approach helps reduce errors and makes mental subtraction easier to process.

Smart Multiplication Tricks

Multiplication can be simplified by breaking numbers down or using special tricks for faster calculations.

Example 1: 54 × 36

• Break 36 into 30 + 6

• Multiply: 54 × 30 = 1620

• Multiply: 54 × 6 = 324

• Add: 1620 + 324 = 1944

 Example 2: 72 × 48

• Break 48 into 40 + 8

• Multiply: 72 × 40 = 2880

• Multiply: 72 × 8 = 576

• Add: 2880 + 576 = 3456

This method makes complex multiplications manageable and efficient.

Multiplication by 11 Shortcut

Multiplying by 11 is easy using this quick trick!

Example 1: 53 × 11

• Add the digits 5 + 3 = 8

• Place the sum between 5 and 3 → 583

Example 2: 81 × 11

• Add the digits 8 + 1 = 9

• Place the sum between 8 and 1 → 891

Example 3: 67 × 11

• Add the digits 6 + 7 = 13

• Write 3 in the middle and carry 1 to 6 → 737

This trick works for all two-digit numbers and helps in fast multiplication.

Read More: Abacus vs. Vedic Maths: Which One is Better?

Division Tricks

Division can be tricky, but these methods make it much simpler!

Dividing by Breaking Numbers

 Example 1: 144 ÷ 6

• Break 144 into 120 + 24

• First, divide 120 ÷ 6 = 20

• Then, divide 24 ÷ 6 = 4

• Add: 20 + 4 = 24

Example 2: 225 ÷ 5

• Break 225 into 200 + 25

• First, divide 200 ÷ 5 = 40

• Then, divide 25 ÷ 5 = 5

• Add: 40 + 5 = 45

Enroll Now for Mental Maths Online Classes

Quick Trick for Dividing by 5

For quick division by 5, multiply the number by 2 and move the decimal point.

Example 1: 275 ÷ 5

• Multiply 275 × 2 = 550

• Move the decimal one place left → 55.0

• Answer: 55

 Example 2: 840 ÷ 5

• Multiply 840 × 2 = 1680

• Move the decimal → 168.0

• Answer: 168

How Can I Help My Child Improve Their Mental Maths?

Building strong mental maths skills helps children solve problems quickly and develop confidence in handling numbers.

If your child struggles with mental calculations, practicing regularly with fun and engaging methods can make a big difference. 

Here are some effective ways to help them improve:

Break Down Numbers for Easier Calculations: Instead of solving 48 + 37 directly, teach your child to break it down: 40 + 30 = 70 and 8 + 7 = 15, then add 70 + 15 = 85. This makes maths easier and improves number sense.

Practice Multiplication Shortcuts: Help them recognize patterns, such as knowing 5 × 6 = 30, so they can quickly calculate 50 × 6 = 300. Practising times tables regularly builds fluency and speed.

Use Everyday Math Challenges: Encourage your child to estimate the cost of items while shopping or calculate how much time is left before dinner. Applying maths to real-life situations makes learning practical and engaging.

Turn Learning into a Game: Introduce fun activities like mental maths races, number puzzles, or "beat the clock" challenges to make practising more exciting.

Encourage Thinking in Reverse: Show your child that if 9 + 4 = 13, then 13 - 4 = 9. This reinforces their understanding of number relationships and improves problem-solving skills.

If you are looking for expert guidance to help your child develop strong mental maths skills, enrol your child in CuriousJr's Mental Maths Booster Course today!

This exclusive course teaches 50+ mental maths tricks to help children solve problems 5X faster, enhance cognitive skills, and improve logical thinking. Learning maths becomes fun and engaging with interactive audio-video lessons and creative exercises.

Enrol now for mental maths classes online and give your child the advantage of smarter and quicker math skills!