Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Developing good math skills will help you complete any math problem easier and faster. Mental arithmetic can save you a lot of time doing tests, but it is not always easy. Try to relax and do not rush to do these sums.

To step

1. Start easy and take your time. Don't jump right in by working out "235 x 958.7" (if that's easy for you, don't read this article). Start with simple addition and subtraction problems, even if you think these are a bit beneath your dignity, and get them done quickly.
2. Learn the multiplication tables and look for the underlying patterns. Knowing the patterns will make multiplication and division of larger numbers much easier. Repeat until you can play them backwards and in any order at any time. Write down all the multiplication tables up to 12 once every day.
3. Visualize what you are doing. Whether you imagine you are writing down the sum or counting objects, visualizing will make the calculation easier to solve.
4. Use your fingers. Learn to count to 99 on your fingers and then use this to "store" numbers so you don't have to worry about forgetting something while working out another part of the calculation.
5. Learn new techniques. There are many of these techniques and they can make calculations much easier. Check the Internet or ask your teacher about quick methods of the calculation (or part of the calculation) that you are trying to do. Use the formulas and identities to work faster.
6. Exercise regularly. Give yourself a few maths to do each day, starting out simple and gradually doing more and more difficult sums.
7. Do not give up. It takes time to get good at calculations. Keep going and don't reach for the calculator too quickly.
8. Challenge yourself. Once the basics can be done quickly and easily, challenge yourself. Improve your skills and try to do the sums as quickly and accurately as possible.
9. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to reach for the calculator to check your answer. There are very few school situations where you will be asked to work without a calculator, and finding that you have the solution right will help build confidence.

Tips

• Perseverance is key. This takes practice, so don't give up too soon.
• Have faith in what you are doing.
• Make sure you are familiar with all of the formulas as they can save you an enormous amount of time during tests and exams.
• You should always check your answers for stupid mistakes that you will say afterwards, "I knew that!"
• Do random sums when you have free time. The more you practice, the faster you will be able to work out the answer and the more your accuracy will improve.
• You will need to practice every day, even on vacation, to develop your math and math skills and memorize formulas.

Warnings

• Don't depend on manuals, ask your teacher or a parent. Manuals do not do your ability to make decisions any good. In addition, parents and teachers can teach you new tricks that often cannot be found in a manual.