Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!: Tips, Short-cut... -

Standard school math teaches kids to work right-to-left (ones, then tens). Mental math is much faster . The Trick: Add the "big" values first. Example: 64 + 28 Add the tens: Add the ones:

Most kids struggle with numbers that require "carrying" or "borrowing." Friendly numbers make those problems disappear.

Here’s a deep dive into the mental math strategies that are actually fun for kids to learn. 1. The "Friendly Numbers" Strategy (Compensation) Mental Math Kids Can't Resist!: Tips, Short-cut...

It’s great for any problem involving a 5 or an even number. 4. "Front-End" Addition

Round one number to the nearest ten to make it "friendly," solve the problem, and then adjust. Example: For 38 + 25 , turn 38 into 40 (by adding 2). The Math: . Now, take away that extra 2 you added earlier. Standard school math teaches kids to work right-to-left

Take the two-digit number, split the digits, and put their sum in the middle. Example: 35 x 11 Split the 3 and the 5: 3 _ 5 Sandwich the 8 in the middle: 385

Give the kid the "trick" and give yourself a calculator. Race to see who gets the answer first. (Let them win!) Example: 64 + 28 Add the tens: Add

It feels like a shortcut that lets them avoid the "old-fashioned" way. 2. Multiplying by 11: The "Split and Sandwich"