Solving mathematical problems will be difficult if you do not know the basic math concepts along with how it must be done. Mathematics, in general, is difficult according to most people because it involves numbers. However, experts say that there are easy ways on how to solve such problems. In fact, experts have provided a couple of tips on how to take your mathematical skills to the next level.
Mental Multiplication Tips
Multiplying by powers of 5 – Multiplying a number by 5 seems to be the easiest and luckiest math problem to solve. If you are faced with a number multiplied with another number that is a power of 5, the trick is to recognize that 5 is equal to 10/2. This is indeed very helpful. For instance, you have to solve 38 x 5. What you have to do in order to get the answer in an instant is to multiply 38 by 10 and then dividing the product by 2. Thus, 38 x 10 = 380, and 380/2 is 180.
Squaring numbers that ends in 5 – Any time you need to square a 2-digit number ending in 5, the last digit of the answer will be 25. Also, the digits before that are given by multiplying the 1st digit of the number by the number which is greater. So if you are to solve 55^2, the last number will be 25. On the other hand, the previous digits are given by 5 x 6 (that’s the first digit multiplied by the number that is one greater). Hence, 55^2 is equal to 3,025.
Multiplying many 9s – There is indeed a trick if you are to multiply any number by 9, 99, 999, or any other number that is 1 less than a power of 10. If the mathematical problem is 48 x 9, you must recognize that 48 x 9 (10-1). The distributive property of multiplication suggests that this is similar to 48 x 10 – 48. Due to the fact that it is very easy to multiply by a power of 10, looking at the problem in this way will make is much easier to solve. Therefore, 48 x 10 – 48 = 480 – 48 = 480 – 40 – 8 = 432.
These are just some of the mathematical tricks you can implement so you get the product in an instant, without needing a paper and pen. You must be reminded though that it will take practice for you to be comfortable in using them. More information mentioned here.