Struggling with Calculations? Try These Mental Maths Hacks

What Are Mental Maths Hacks?

Mental maths hacks are things that help us do maths in our heads. These hacks let us solve math problems without using a calculator or a piece of paper. 

It is more like how we read books and talk to people. It becomes easier for our brains to understand things this way. 

These tricks are helpful for people who are learning as they make us see numbers as blocks. Such an approach makes math feel like a game. 

Mental Maths Hacks for Kids

When we teach children about numbers in a way, it makes learning them feel like a game instead of something boring. 

These mental maths hacks for kids are designed to be simple and straightforward to understand, helping them grasp numbers, which is essential for excelling in mental maths in the future.

1. The Left-to-Right Addition Hack

In school, we learn to add numbers from right to left. When we do math in our heads, it is easier to do it from left to right. This way, we can remember part of the number when we do maths. We are able to recall the number and its significance.

• How it works: To add 58 + 36.

• Step 1: Add the tens first: 50 + 30 = 80.

• Step 2: Add the units: 8 + 6 = 14.

• Step 3: Combine them: 80 + 14 = 94.

• This "partitioning" method prevents you from losing track of the total as you calculate.

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2. Double and Halve Multiplication

This method really helps with multiplication problems that involve numbers, like 5 or even numbers. When you double one number and halve the other, you get the answer. It is way easier to solve.

• Example: 16 x 25.

• Step 1: Halve 16 to get 8; Double 25 to get 50.

• Step 2: Now solve 8 x 50.

• Result: 400.

• You can even do it again: Halve 8 (4) and double 50 (100) to get 4 x 100 = 400.

3. The "Add to Subtract" Strategy

Subtraction can be tough because of borrowing, which is challenging to do in your head. When you are doing subtraction, try counting up from the subtraction number to the number instead of taking away from the bigger number in the subtraction problem.

• Problem: 100 - 74.

• Step 1: Jump from 74 to the nearest ten: 74 + 6 = 80.

• Step 2: Jump from 80 to 100: 80 + 20 = 100.

• Step 3: Add your jumps: 20 + 6 = 26.

• Visualising the process on a mental number line makes subtraction seem like a simple addition task.

4. Multiplying Two-Digit Numbers by 11

Kids think the secret code is part of the trick.

• Trick: To multiply 43 x 11, add the two digits of the number you are multiplying.

• Calculation: 4 + 3 = 7.

• Placement: Place the sum (7) between the original two digits (4 and 3).

• Result: 473.

• Note: If the sum is 10 or more, carry the 1 to the left digit.

Read More - What is Mental Maths? A Guide for Beginners

5. Squaring Numbers Ending in 5

If you want to calculate the square of a number, such as 35 or 75, here is a simple trick that takes just two seconds.

• The Rule: All squares of numbers ending in 5 end in 25.

• The Step: Multiply the first digit by the next consecutive number.

• Example: 65 squared (65 x 65).

• Calculation: 6 x 7 = 42.

• Final Answer: Attach 25 to the end to get 4225.

6. The Compensation Trick

If you need to add or subtract numbers that are almost round, like 19, 38, or 99, use the nearest ten. Then make up the difference.

• Example: 56 + 39.

• The Hack: Consider it to be 56 + 40 (which is 96).

• Adjustment: Since you added 1 too many, subtract 1.

• Result: 95.

• This method is extremely useful for mental maths where speed is key.

7. The Division by 5 Shortcut

Dividing by 5 is easy. You just do two things.

• The Hack: Multiply the number by 2 and then move the decimal point one place to the left.

• Example: 145 / 5.

• Step 1: 145 x 2 = 290.

• Step 2: Move decimal: 29.0.

• Result: 29.

Read More - Mental Maths Strategies to Solve Sums Faster

Benefits of Online Classes for Improving Mental Maths Hacks

Taking mental maths online classes gives you a way to get really good at maths in your head. These lessons are different from school classes since they teach you how to understand and work with numbers.

• Interactive Learning Tools: Digital platforms employ visuals and engaging challenges to teach pupils about the patterns that hackers use. They use entertaining challenges and pictures to teach pupils about the patterns that hackers use.

• Expert Help: Our professors are quite good at figuring out what the pupils are having trouble with. They don't merely memorize math skills. Our certified teachers want to know how well the pupils grasp numbers. 

• Convenience and Flexibility: Students can take the classes from the comfort of their homes. This option is really good because it means they can practise maths every day. It also fits nicely into their daily schedules.

• Personalised Pace: Mental maths classes for kids are really great because they let kids learn at their own pace. This means that kids can make sure they really understand maths before they move on to the next mental maths thing.

Make Maths Easy and Enjoyable with CuriousJr

CuriousJr supports children in building a strong foundation in mathematics by removing fear and boosting confidence. Our online Mental Maths classes for students from Classes 1 to 8 are designed to improve speed, accuracy, and logical thinking using simple techniques and interactive learning methods.

With our dual-mentor approach, students participate in engaging live sessions and receive personalized support to clear their doubts after every class. Animated lessons, fun activities, and exciting challenges make maths both effective and enjoyable to learn.

Parents receive regular progress updates and review sessions, ensuring full transparency in their child’s learning journey.

Book a demo class today and see how CuriousJr turns maths into a fun, engaging, and confidence-building experience for your child.