May 2013

The math that you learn in kindergarten to grade nine is the most important math you’ll learn in your life. Knowing your numbers from 1-1000, figuring out metric conversions, and problem solving are useful for everyday life. Children are taught the four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, but with the invention of calculators, they tend to slack off for the convenience.  The result: losing the basic mathematical operations.

Do we really need a calculator everywhere we go? There are situations when calculators are not allowed on tests, so how will students succeed? Multiplication can be tricky, but with the right mindset and tips to guide you along the way, you will be able to ace any test regardless of having a calculator or computer. Think Out Here has you covered with simple tricks that will make any multiplication problem easy and solvable!

1. When multiplying a number by 10, the easiest trick to remember is to add a zero to the number you’re multiplying to 10. For instance, if you are multiplying 4 by 10, just add a 0 to 4 and that would be the answer, 40.

2. When multiplying 5 by an even number, get the tens digit by dividing the number by 2. The ones digit is always 0. When multiplying 5 by an odd number, subtract 1 from the number . Get the tens digit by dividing that answer by 2. The ones digit is 5. The last digit is always 5 or 0, so if you get any other number, you’ll know it’s wrong!

3. Every pair of multiplication has a twin. For example, if you forget what 3×6 is, you might remember 6×3.

4. When multiplying a number by 2, add the number to itself. For example, when you multiply 3 by 2, you can add 3 to 3 for the answer, 6.

5. When multiplying a number by 9, the tens digit is always one less than the original number. For example, 6 times 9 is 54. The tens digit which is 5 is one less than the original number 6. Suppose you want to multiply 6 times 9, you would first subtract 1 from the tens digit,6, which would be 5. Then subtract this new tens digit by 9 to get your ones digit, which is 4 ( 9-5=4). The two digits combined is 54, and that’s your answer! Isn’t it easy? This trick only works for single digits, so practice numbers 1-9!

6. When multiplying a number by 12, the simplest method to remember is to multiplying that number by 10 first, multiply that number by 2, then add the two products together. Suppose you want to multiply 7 by 12. First, multiply 7 by 10, which is 70. Then multiply 7 by 2, which is 14. Add the two results together, 70 and 14, and that would be the result of 7×12 (you should get 84).

When I was 5, I was taught multiplication the complicated way. I had to memorize lists and lists of numbers because I didn’t know any tricks and tips. With these tips, multiplication becomes an easy skill. Take some time to test these tricks out and prove that you can find out the answer for 2×4 or 9×10.  Comment on Think Out Here ‘s facebook page or Ask a Math/Science Tutor page and tell us if these methods work!

{ 0 comments }