Maths Tricks and Shortcuts

Speed Up Your Calculations! 

Maths doesn't have to be slow and tedious – there are plenty of clever tricks that can make calculations quicker, easier, and even fun. Whether you're solving equations in exams or just doing mental math in daily life, these shortcuts can be game-changers. Let’s dive into some of the most useful math hacks that will save you time and effort!  

1. Multiplying by 5

An easy way to multiply any number by 5:  

- If the number is even, divide it by 2 and add a zero at the end.  

- If the number is odd, subtract 1, divide by 2, then add a 5 at the end.  

Example:  

- 48 x 5  → Half of 48 is 24, add a zero → 240

- 37 x 5  → 37 becomes 36 → Half of 36 is 18, add a 5 → 185  

2. Squaring Numbers Ending in 5  

For numbers ending in 5, squaring them is simple:  

- Multiply the first digit by itself plus one and add 25 at the end.  

Example:  

- 25^2 → 2 x 3 = 6, add 25 → 625 

- 85^2 → 8 x 9 = 72, add 25 → 7225  

3. The 11 Rule for Multiplication  

Multiplying a two-digit number by 11? Use this quick trick:  

- Separate the two digits and insert their sum in between.  

Example:  

- 11 x 32 → 3 and 2 → 3(3+2)2 = 352 

- 11 x 74 → 7 and 4 → 7(7+4)4 = 814  

If the sum is 10 or more, carry the extra digit to the first number.  

Example:  

- 11 x 57 → 5 and 7 → 5+7 = 12 → 5(12)7 → 627  

4. The Finger Trick for Multiplying by 9  

Want an easy way to multiply by 9? Use your fingers!  

- Spread out both hands in front of you.  

- To multiply 9 x X, fold down the Xth finger.  

- Count the fingers to the left and right to get the answer.  

Example:  

- 9 x 6 → Fold the 6th finger → 5 fingers on the left, 4 on the right → 54 

- 9 x 8 → Fold the 8th finger → 7 fingers on the left, 2 on the right → 72

5. Quickly Dividing by 5

Dividing by 5 is simple:  

- Multiply by 2, then move the decimal one place left.  

Example:  

- 235 ÷ 5 → 235 x 2 = 470, move decimal → 47.0

- 126 ÷ 5 → 126 x 2 = 252, move decimal → 25.2

6. Multiplying Large Numbers Close to 100 

If you're multiplying two numbers near 100, use this trick:  

- Find how much each number is below 100.  

- Subtract one number’s difference from the other.  

- Multiply both differences and attach it at the end.  

Example:  

- 97 x 96 → 97 is 3 below 100, 96 is 4 below 100.  

- 97 - 4 = 93   

- 3 x 4 = 12 

- Answer: 9312

7. Finding Percentages Easily 

If you need a fast way to find percentages, swap and simplify!  

- Instead of calculating 18% of 50, flip it to 50% of 18, which is 9.  

- Instead of 42% of 25, calculate 25% of 42, which is 10.5.  

Math Doesn’t Have to Be Hard!

These tricks make calculations quicker and more intuitive. Try them out, and soon, mental maths will feel like second nature.🌈✨

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