Most people likely don’t love math. And even those who do can still sometimes get stuck when solving a complex problem. Choosing an appropriate principle or process to solve the problem is quite confusing, and having only one way to solve it can make it more difficult.
Good thing expert mathematicians and math lovers devised easy ways to solve math problems without a fuss and headaches. Percentage.io Articles even provide creative math problems that can help you develop your love for the subject.
Without further ado, here are some of the best techniques to solve math problems quickly without being a whiz or even the help of calculators:
1. Breaking Down Numbers
Changing how you look at adding three or more digits can make the entire operation a lot easier. As such, the principle of this technique lies in simplifying the problem by breaking it into smaller pieces.
First, round off one of the addends to the nearest tens, hundreds, or thousands, whichever is applicable and easier to work with, then add or subtract the same number you did to the other addend.
For example,
= 394 + 676
= (394 + 6) + (676 – 6)
= 400 + 670
= 1070
2. Two-Step Subtraction
This process requires you to remove what you think seems complicated and proceed with the rest of the equation. Just subtract the excess from both the subtrahend and the minuend, then process with the rest.
For example,
= 577 – 387
= (577 – 77) – (387 – 77)
= 500 – 310
= 290
3. Subtracting From 1,000
This technique will help you solve four-digit integers quickly, but it is only applicable if you subtract any number to 1,000. Just subtract the subtrahend’s ones and tens digits from 9 and its hundreds digit from10.
For example,
= 1,000 – 456
9 – 4 = 5
9 – 5 = 4
10 – 6 = 4
Therefore, 544 = 1,000 – 456.
4. Halve And Double
For those struggling with multiplication problems, this makes the process easier. All you have to do is halve the even number and double the other, then repeat until it becomes manageable for you to solve the problem. The only thing you have to master is multiplying by two.
For example,
= 48 × 33
= (48 ÷ 2) × (33 × 2)
= 24 × 66
= (24 ÷ 2) × (66 ×2)
= 12 × 132
= (12 ÷ 2) × (132 ×2)
= 6 × 264
= (6 ÷ 2) × (264 ×2)
= 3 × 528
= 1584
5. Multiplying By 9
For most people, multiplying by nine is harder to answer than multiplying by 10, but this technique makes it easier. All you have to do is change 9 to 10, then proceed with the problem. Once you get the answer, you can then subtract the multiplicand from it.
For example,
= 88 × 9
= 88 × 10
= 880 – 88
= 792
6. Multiplying Even Numbers By 5
This technique will require your knowledge of basic division operations. There are just two steps to follow: halve the even number multiplier, then put zero at the end. This is ideal for those who need to master multiplying by five.
For example,
= 5 × 8
= 8 ÷ 2
= 4 (then put zero at the end)
= 40
7. Multiplying Odd Numbers By 5
This is another technique for those who need to master multiplying by five. A little bit like the previous method, you’ll have to subtract one from the multiplier to make it an even number, halve it, then put five at the end.
For example,
= 5 × 9
= 5 × (9 – 1)
= 5 × 8
= 8 ÷ 2
= 4 (then put five at the end)
= 45
8. Squaring Two-Digit Number Ending In 1
To do this, you have to subtract one from the number, square the resulting number, add the difference you get from the first step twice, then add 1.
For example, what is the square root of 81?
= 81 – 1
= 80
= 802
= 6,400
= 6,400 + (80 + 80)
= 6,560
= 6,560 + 1
= 6,561
9. Calculating Percentages
This technique is helpful when solving for percentages quickly. Just multiply the rate and the base, then move the decimal place two digits from the right.
For example, what is 55% of 150?
= 55 × 150
= 8,250.00
= 82.50
Final Words
Math may be tricky, but it is a valuable skill once mastered since it can be a clear path to opportunity. The more you understand its fundamental principles, the more you’ll love math and its art.
