Many children find math challenging. As they grow, many of them start losing interest in maths, making it harder to handle the subject as they move into middle and high school. It is important to give kids the right tools or tricks to help them confidently solve math problems. Math tricks can assist kids in simplifying the steps needed to solve a problem and help find the correct answer. These tricks provide different methods to approach the same problem. Learning math tricks can make the subject more engaging and less intimidating for kids.
Importance of Math tricks for kids
- Engagement and interest: Math tricks make learning fun, grabbing kids’ attention and keeping them interested in math.
- Conceptual understanding: These tricks break down tough ideas, helping kids understand math concepts better.
- Positive attitude towards math: Using tricks helps kids feel good about math, easing their worries about traditional learning.
- Enhanced memory skills: Math tricks often use memory tools, helping kids develop strong memory abilities.
- Accelerated learning: Tricks speed up learning by offering shortcuts and creative ways to understand concepts faster.
- Individualised learning: Math tricks suit different learning styles, allowing all kids to find methods that work for them.
- Confidence boost: Mastering simple math tricks raises a child’s confidence, encouraging them to take on harder problems.
- Real-life application: Many math tricks are useful in daily life, making life easy for them as they grow up.
- Preparation for advanced concepts: Learning math tricks lays a solid groundwork for tackling more complex math topics later.
- Interactive and fun learning: Math tricks make learning engaging and enjoyable, motivating kids to join in and explore math ideas.
Simple math’s magic tricks for kids
- Multiplying Big Numbers in Your Head
- Adding Large Numbers
- Multiplication by 11
- Number Bonds:
- Multiplying a Number by 9
Knowing how to multiply big numbers is an important skill for kids in middle and high school. Being able to do this mentally without help can boost their speed and confidence with multiplication problems.
One effective method for multiplying two double-digit numbers is to use their distance from 100 to make the math easier. Let’s look at how to find 95 × 97 using this method.
Step 1: Find how far each number is from 100.
100 − 95 = 5 and 100 − 97 = 3
Step 2: Add these two results together.
Sum = 5 + 3 = 8
Step 3: Subtract this sum from 100 to get the first part of the answer.
First part of the answer = 100 − 8 = 92
Step 4: To find the second part of the answer, multiply 5 and 3.
Second part of the answer = 5 × 3 = 15
Therefore, 95 × 97 = 9215.
Math can be tricky, and for some kids, addition and subtraction can be just as tough as multiplication and division. However, there are some fun and easy tricks to help them add numbers in their heads.
One simple method is to use place value. Let’s look at how to add 81 and 45 using this method.
First, break the numbers into their place values:
81 = 80 + 1
45 = 40 + 5
Now, add the tens together and then add the ones. It’s that easy!
80 + 40 = 120
5 + 1 = 6
So, when you add 81 and 45, you get 120 + 6 = 126.
Here’s a fun math trick for multiplying a two-digit number by 11. Kids can add the two digits and put the sum in the middle.
Example: (11 * 32 = 352) (3 + 2 = 5, so it becomes 352).
Explain number bonds to kids to help them grasp how numbers relate to each other. For example, with the number 10, they can find that 7 + 3 = 10 or 6 + 4 = 10.
It is simpler than you think to multiply any number by 9! Let’s use a big number, like 873. Here’s how the method works.
873 × 9 = 873 × (10 − 1) = 8730 – 873 = 7857
First, multiply 873 by 10 to get 8730. Then, subtract 873 from that result. You’ll find that 7857 is the answer, which is the same as multiplying 873 by 9!
Now, let’s see two more examples.
586 × 9 = 586 × (10 − 1) = 5860 − 586 = 5274
211 × 9 = 211 × (10 − 1) = 2110 − 211 = 1899.
Adding math tricks to your child’s study routine can significantly improve their math skills and confidence. Techniques like mental multiplication and magic squares make math fun and less scary. Regular practice of these tricks helps kids understand math better and enhances their problem-solving skills.
At Centre Point School, we focus on making learning fun and effective. Our program includes these math tricks to help students easily understand difficult concepts. We believe that a solid math foundation not only improves grades but also develops critical thinking and analytical skills needed for future success.
Encourage your child to try out these math tricks and see them become a math expert. With the right resources and a supportive environment, every child can succeed in math and more.
