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How to Solve Math Problems Faster: 15 Techniques to Show Students

“Test time. No calculators.”
You’ll intimidate many students by saying this, but teaching techniques to solve math problems with ease and speed can make it less daunting.
This can also make math more rewarding . Instead of relying on calculators, students learn strategies that can improve their concentration and estimation skills while building number sense. And, while there are educators who oppose math “tricks” for valid reasons, proponents point to benefits such as increased confidence to handle difficult problems.
Here are 15 techniques to show students, helping them solve math problems faster:
Addition and Subtraction

Many students struggle when learning to add integers of three digits or higher together, but changing the process’s steps can make it easier.
The first step is to add what’s easy. The second step is to add the rest.
Let’s say students must find the sum of 393 and 89. They should quickly see that adding 7 onto 393 will equal 400 — an easier number to work with. To balance the equation, they can then subtract 7 from 89.
Broken down, the process is:
- (393 + 7) + (89 – 7)
With this fast technique, big numbers won’t look as scary now.
2. Two-Step Subtraction
There’s a similar method for subtraction.
Remove what’s easy. Then remove what’s left.
Suppose students must find the difference of 567 and 153. Most will feel that 500 is a simpler number than 567. So, they just have to take away 67 from the minuend — 567 — and the subtrahend — 153 — before solving the equation.
Here’s the process:
- (567 – 67) – (153 – 67)
Instead of two complex numbers, students will only have to tackle one.

3. Subtracting from 1,000
You can give students confidence to handle four-digit integers with this fast technique.
To subtract a number from 1,000, subtract that number’s first two digits from 9. Then, subtract the final digit from 10.
Let’s say students must solve 1,000 – 438. Here are the steps:
This also applies to 10,000, 100,000 and other integers that follow this pattern.
Multiplication and Division

When students have to multiply two integers, they can speed up the process when one is an even number. They just need to halve the even number and double the other number.
Students can stop the process when they can no longer halve the even integer, or when the equation becomes manageable.
Using 33 x 48 as an example, here’s the process:
The only prerequisite is understanding the 2 times table.
5. Multiplying by Powers of 2
This tactic is a speedy variation of doubling and halving.
It simplifies multiplication if a number in the equation is a power of 2, meaning it works for 2, 4, 8, 16 and so on.
Here’s what to do: For each power of 2 that makes up that number, double the other number.
For example, 9 x 16 is the same thing as 9 x (2 x 2 x 2 x 2) or 9 x 24. Students can therefore double 9 four times to reach the answer:
Unlike doubling and halving, this technique demands an understanding of exponents along with a strong command of the 2 times table.

6. Multiplying by 9
For most students, multiplying by 9 — or 99, 999 and any number that follows this pattern — is difficult compared with multiplying by a power of 10.
But there’s an easy tactic to solve this issue, and it has two parts.
First, students round up the 9 to 10. Second, after solving the new equation, they subtract the number they just multiplied by 10 from the answer.
For example, 67 x 9 will lead to the same answer as 67 x 10 – 67. Following the order of operations will give a result of 603. Similarly, 67 x 99 is the same as 67 x 100 – 67.
Despite more steps, altering the equation this way is usually faster.

There’s an easier way for multiplying two-digit integers by 11.
Let’s say students must find the product of 11 x 34.
The idea is to put a space between the digits, making it 3_4. Then, add the two digits together and put the sum in the space.
The answer is 374.
What happens if the sum is two digits? Students would put the second digit in the space and add 1 to the digit to the left of the space. For example:
It’s multiplication without having to multiply.
8. Multiplying Even Numbers by 5
This technique only requires basic division skills.
There are two steps, and 5 x 6 serves as an example. First, divide the number being multiplied by 5 — which is 6 — in half. Second, add 0 to the right of number.
The result is 30, which is the correct answer.
It’s an ideal, easy technique for students mastering the 5 times table.
9. Multiplying Odd Numbers by 5
This is another time-saving tactic that works well when teaching students the 5 times table.
This one has three steps, which 5 x 7 exemplifies.
First, subtract 1 from the number being multiplied by 5, making it an even number. Second, cut that number in half — from 6 to 3 in this instance. Third, add 5 to the right of the number.
The answer is 35.
Who needs a calculator?
10. Squaring a Two-Digit Number that Ends with 1

Squaring a high two-digit number can be tedious, but there’s a shortcut if 1 is the second digit.
There are four steps to this shortcut, which 812 exemplifies:
- Subtract 1 from the integer: 81 – 1 = 80
- Square the integer, which is now an easier number: 80 x 80 = 6,400
- Add the integer with the resulting square twice: 6,400 + 80 + 80 = 6,560
- Add 1: 6,560 + 1 = 6,561
This work-around eliminates the difficulty surrounding the second digit, allowing students to work with multiples of 10.
11. Squaring a Two-Digit Numbers that Ends with 5
Squaring numbers ending in 5 is easier, as there are only two parts of the process.
First, students will always make 25 the product’s last digits.
Second, to determine the product’s first digits, students must multiply the number’s first digit — 9, for example — by the integer that’s one higher — 10, in this case.
So, students would solve 952 by designating 25 as the last two digits. They would then multiply 9 x 10 to receive 90. Putting these numbers together, the result is 9,025.
Just like that, a hard problem becomes easy multiplication for many students.
12. Calculating Percentages
Cross-multiplication is an important skill to develop, but there’s an easier way to calculate percentages.
For example, if students want to know what 65% of 175 is, they can multiply the numbers together and move the decimal place two digits to the left.
The result is 113.75, which is indeed the correct answer.
This shortcut is a useful timesaver on tests and quizzes.
13. Balancing Averages

To determine the average among a set of numbers, students can balance them instead of using a complex formula.
Suppose a student wants to volunteer for an average of 10 hours a week over a period of four weeks. In the first three weeks, the student worked for 10, 12 and 14 hours.
To determine the number of hours required in the fourth week, the student must add how much he or she surpassed or missed the target average in the other weeks:
- 14 hours – 10 hours = 4 hours
- 12 – 10 = 2
- 10 – 10 = 0
- 4 hours + 2 hours + 0 hours = 6 hours
To learn the number of hours for the final week, the student must subtract the sum from the target average:
- 10 hours – 6 hours = 4 hours
With practice, this method may not even require pencil and paper. That’s how easy it is.

Word Problems
14. identifying buzzwords.
Students who struggle to translate word problems into equations will benefit from learning how to spot buzzwords — phrases that indicate specific actions.
This isn’t a trick. It’s a tactic.
Teach students to look for these buzzwords, and what skill they align with in most contexts:
Be sure to include buzzwords that typically appear in their textbooks (or other classroom math books ), as well as ones you use on tests and assignments.
As a result, they should have an easier time processing word problems .
15. Creating Sub-Questions

For complex word problems, show students how to dissect the question by answering three specific sub-questions.
Each student should ask him or herself:
- What am I looking for? — Students should read the question over and over, looking for buzzwords and identifying important details.
- What information do I need? — Students should determine which facts, figures and variables they need to solve the question. For example, if they determine the question is rooted in subtraction, they need the minuend and subtrahend.
- What information do I have? — Students should be able to create the core equation using the information in the word problem, after determining which details are important.
These sub-questions help students avoid overload.
Instead of writing and analyzing each detail of the question, they’ll be able to identify key information. If you identify students who are struggling with these, you can use peer learning as needed.
For more fresh approaches to teaching math in your classroom, consider treating your students to a range of fun math activities .
Final Thoughts About these Ways to Solve Math Problems Faster
Showing these 15 techniques to students can give them the confidence to tackle tough questions .
They’re also mental math exercises, helping them build skills related to focus, logic and critical thinking.
A rewarding class equals an engaging class . That’s an easy equation to remember.
> Create or log into your teacher account on Prodigy — a free, adaptive math game that adjusts content to accommodate player trouble spots and learning speeds. Aligned to US and Canadian curricula, it’s loved by more than 500,000 teachers and 15 million students.

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10 Ways to Do Fast Math: Tricks and Tips for Doing Math in Your Head
You don’t have to be a math teacher to know that a lot of students—and likely a lot of parents (it’s been awhile!)—are intimidated by math problems, especially if they involve large numbers. Learning techniques on how to do math quickly can help students develop greater confidence in math , improve math skills and understanding, and excel in advanced courses.
If it’s your job to teach those, here’s a great refresher.

Fast math tricks infographic
10 tricks for doing fast math
Here are 10 fast math strategies students (and adults!) can use to do math in their heads. Once these strategies are mastered, students should be able to accurately and confidently solve math problems that they once feared solving.
1. Adding large numbers
Adding large numbers just in your head can be difficult. This method shows how to simplify this process by making all the numbers a multiple of 10. Here is an example:
While these numbers are hard to contend with, rounding them up will make them more manageable. So, 644 becomes 650 and 238 becomes 240.
Now, add 650 and 240 together. The total is 890. To find the answer to the original equation, it must be determined how much we added to the numbers to round them up.
650 – 644 = 6 and 240 – 238 = 2
Now, add 6 and 2 together for a total of 8
To find the answer to the original equation, 8 must be subtracted from the 890.
890 – 8 = 882
So the answer to 644 +238 is 882.
2. Subtracting from 1,000
Here’s a basic rule to subtract a large number from 1,000: Subtract every number except the last from 9 and subtract the final number from 10
For example:
1,000 – 556
Step 1: Subtract 5 from 9 = 4
Step 2: Subtract 5 from 9 = 4
Step 3: Subtract 6 from 10 = 4
The answer is 444.
3. Multiplying 5 times any number
When multiplying the number 5 by an even number, there is a quick way to find the answer.
For example, 5 x 4 =
- Step 1: Take the number being multiplied by 5 and cut it in half, this makes the number 4 become the number 2.
- Step 2: Add a zero to the number to find the answer. In this case, the answer is 20.
When multiplying an odd number times 5, the formula is a bit different.
For instance, consider 5 x 3.
- Step 1: Subtract one from the number being multiplied by 5, in this instance the number 3 becomes the number 2.
- Step 2: Now halve the number 2, which makes it the number 1. Make 5 the last digit. The number produced is 15, which is the answer.
4. Division tricks
Here’s a quick way to know when a number can be evenly divided by these certain numbers:
- 10 if the number ends in 0
- 9 when the digits are added together and the total is evenly divisible by 9
- 8 if the last three digits are evenly divisible by 8 or are 000
- 6 if it is an even number and when the digits are added together the answer is evenly divisible by 3
- 5 if it ends in a 0 or 5
- 4 if it ends in 00 or a two digit number that is evenly divisible by 4
- 3 when the digits are added together and the result is evenly divisible by the number 3
- 2 if it ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8
5. Multiplying by 9
This is an easy method that is helpful for multiplying any number by 9. Here is how it works:
Let’s use the example of 9 x 3.
Step 1 : Subtract 1 from the number that is being multiplied by 9.
3 – 1 = 2
The number 2 is the first number in the answer to the equation.
Step 2 : Subtract that number from the number 9.
9 – 2 = 7
The number 7 is the second number in the answer to the equation.
So, 9 x 3 = 27
6. 10 and 11 times tricks
The trick to multiplying any number by 10 is to add a zero to the end of the number. For example, 62 x 10 = 620.
There is also an easy trick for multiplying any two-digit number by 11. Here it is:
Take the original two-digit number and put a space between the digits. In this example, that number is 25.
Now add those two numbers together and put the result in the center:
2_(2 + 5)_5
The answer to 11 x 25 is 275.
If the numbers in the center add up to a number with two digits, insert the second number and add 1 to the first one. Here is an example for the equation 11 x 88
(8 + 1)_6_8
There is the answer to 11 x 88: 968
7. Percentage
Finding a percentage of a number can be somewhat tricky, but thinking about it in the right terms makes it much easier to understand. For instance, to find out what 5% of 235 is, follow this method:
- Step 1: Move the decimal point over by one place, 235 becomes 23.5.
- Step 2: Divide 23.5 by the number 2, the answer is 11.75. That is also the answer to the original equation.
8. Quickly square a two-digit number that ends in 5
Let’s use the number 35 as an example.
- Step 1: Multiply the first digit by itself plus 1.
- Step 2: Put a 25 at the end.
35 squared = [3 x (3 + 1)] & 25
[3 x (3 + 1)] = 12
12 & 25 = 1225
35 squared = 1225
9. Tough multiplication
When multiplying large numbers, if one of the numbers is even, divide the first number in half, and then double the second number. This method will solve the problem quickly. For instance, consider
Step 1: Divide the 20 by 2, which equals 10. Double 120, which equals 240.
Then multiply your two answers together.
10 x 240 = 2400
The answer to 20 x 120 is 2,400.
10. Multiplying numbers that end in zero
Multiplying numbers that end in zero is actually quite simple. It involves multiplying the other numbers together and then adding the zeros at the end. For instance, consider:
Step 1: Multiply the 2 times the 4
Step 2: Put all four of the zeros after the 8
200 x 400= 80,000
Practicing these fast math tricks can help both students and teachers improve their math skills and become secure in their knowledge of mathematics—and unafraid to work with numbers in the future.

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- https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/10-tricks-for-doing-fast-math/

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How to solve math problems quickly?

How do I do math/solve problems faster?
So today i had a random popup quiz for computer architecture class. Basically we had to simplify a statement of boolean algebra by using axioms and properties and I could not come up with the final solution fast and correctly. I heard a few classmates of mine chatting to each other about how easy this quiz was. So the question here is how to solve math problems fast? I dont feel like its a skill you can practice tho :(

Math problems is practice and pattern recognition (which you acquire by practicing).
The dirty little secret is that to solve math problems quickly, you must have seen similar problems in the past and memorized the corresponding techniques and tricks. Entirely original solutions are very difficult to come by and are usually made a big deal of. So, just read (and practice) a lot of math literature and collect as many tips, tricks, techniques and examples as you come across.
Solving it quickly is really just practice. It's been years since I've finished my studies, questions that used to take me seconds might take me a hour. I know advanced theorems and tricks, but without practice I can't apply them at the right time or recall them quickly.
Programming on the other hand I can do very quickly, even though I barely studied it formally, because I use it daily. Whenever people are impressed that I can solve a particularly problem quickly, it's generally because I spent weeks solving that problem a year ago.
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How to Solve Percent Problems? (+FREE Worksheet!)
Learn how to calculate and solve percent problems using the percent formula.

Related Topics
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- How to Find Discount, Tax, and Tip
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Step by step guide to solve percent problems
- In each percent problem, we are looking for the base, or part or the percent.
- Use the following equations to find each missing section. Base \(= \color{black}{Part} \ ÷ \ \color{blue}{Percent}\) \(\color{ black }{Part} = \color{blue}{Percent} \ ×\) Base \(\color{blue}{Percent} = \color{ black }{Part} \ ÷\) Base
Percent Problems – Example 1:
\(2.5\) is what percent of \(20\)?
In this problem, we are looking for the percent. Use the following equation: \(\color{blue}{Percent} = \color{ black }{Part} \ ÷\) Base \(→\) Percent \(=2.5 \ ÷ \ 20=0.125=12.5\%\)
Percent Problems – Example 2:
\(40\) is \(10\%\) of what number?
Use the following formula: Base \(= \color{ black }{Part} \ ÷ \ \color{blue}{Percent}\) \(→\) Base \(=40 \ ÷ \ 0.10=400\) \(40\) is \(10\%\) of \(400\).
Percent Problems – Example 3:
\(1.2\) is what percent of \(24\)?
In this problem, we are looking for the percent. Use the following equation: \(\color{blue}{Percent} = \color{ black }{Part} \ ÷\) Base \(→\) Percent \(=1.2÷24=0.05=5\%\)
Percent Problems – Example 4:
\(20\) is \(5\%\) of what number?
Use the following formula: Base \(= \color{black}{Part} \ ÷ \ \color{blue}{Percent}\) \(→\) Base \(=20÷0.05=400\) \( 20\) is \(5\%\) of \(400\).
Exercises for Calculating Percent Problems
Solve each problem..
- \(51\) is \(340\%\) of what?
- \(93\%\) of what number is \(97\)?
- \(27\%\) of \(142\) is what number?
- What percent of \(125\) is \(29.3\)?
- \(60\) is what percent of \(126\)?
- \(67\) is \(67\%\) of what?
Download Percent Problems Worksheet
- \(\color{blue}{15}\)
- \(\color{blue}{104.3}\)
- \(\color{blue}{38.34}\)
- \(\color{blue}{23.44\%}\)
- \(\color{blue}{47.6\%}\)
- \(\color{blue}{100}\)
by: Reza about 3 years ago (category: Articles )
Reza is an experienced Math instructor and a test-prep expert who has been tutoring students since 2008. He has helped many students raise their standardized test scores--and attend the colleges of their dreams. He works with students individually and in group settings, he tutors both live and online Math courses and the Math portion of standardized tests. He provides an individualized custom learning plan and the personalized attention that makes a difference in how students view math.
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FSA Grade 6 Math for Beginners The Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Preparing for the FSA Math Test
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How to Solve Math Problems Faster: 12 Techniques to Show Students
Marta Sebos 26/10/2022 Education
Math problems are a real problem for many students. Some of them are struggling to pass their tests and exams, and some are facing difficulties in developing their math skills. Even after preparing hard for your maths exam, you may not be able to solve all the problems in the exam paper. That could be because you were just not fast enough to solve the math problems in the designated exam time.
In other circumstances, many students are intimidated when they forget to bring calculators. It’s not a surprise that calculators save a lot of time. But, there are exams where calculators are prohibited. So, you must know a few techniques to solve problems faster.
In case you are going for high-end mathematical operations like finding ratios, factoring polynomials, and calculating derivatives, then you should use a quality graphing calculator. You will find excellent calculators on this site . Choose the best graphing calculators for easy and time-efficient problem-solving.
Besides calculator uses, every student should know some basic tricks to solve math problems faster. Let’s find more about these techniques.
Addition and Subtraction

Though addition and subtraction look easy, many of us get confused without calculators to help us. We can follow some easy and simple tricks to get it right.
1. Two-Step Addition
Students often face difficulties in adding integers above two digits. In such cases, add a number that makes it easy and then add the rest. For example, a student needs to make a sum of 493 and 87.
You can add 7 to 493 to make it 500 and then subtract 7 from 87. Now add 500 and 80. That is 580.
- Simple Process
=(493+7)+ (87-7)
2. Two-Step Subtraction
This is a similar method to the two-step addition, but this time it is subtraction. Remove numbers to make it east for the first one. Then remove a similar number from the second one. Now, subtract in a quick time.
For example, you are making a difference between 663 and 165. Remove 63 from 663 to make it 600. Do the same with 165 to make it 102. Now it is an easy subtraction of 600 and 102. That is 498.
=(663-63)-(165-63)
3. Subtracting From Thousand

This is the easiest of all methods. To subtract it from 1000, subtract the numbers first two digits from nine. Now, subtract the final one from ten. Let’s say you are subtracting 539 from 1000.
Subtract 5 from 9. That is 4. Do the same for 3. So, 9 minus 3 is 6. Now, subtract the final number 9 from 10. That is 1. So, the answer is 461. You can also apply this to 10,000, 100,000, or other integers with this pattern.
- Multiplication and Division
This is the most vulnerable area for math students. Some of them spend hours without the help of calculators. Let’s find some easy tricks.
4. Multiply with the power of 2
The power of 2 simplifies the multiplication process. It is the result of exponential with number 2 at the base. That means 2,4,8,16,32, and so on are the power of 2. If someone says 9 multiply with 8. That is equal to 9 multiply with 2 power 3.
- How does that help?
So, it is a simple method to multiply the numbers in fragments.
5. Double and Halve
If you are multiplying with an even number, then multiply with half of the original number. You can repeat the process until you have an even digit to multiply. For example, you are multiplying 15x 24.
Here is how you can calculate that simply:
6. Multiply even Numbers by 5

Choose a number that is a multiple of 5 and even. Let’s say 40. That is 5 times 8. Now divide the multiples of five to half. So, half of 8 is 4. Now add zero to this number. That is 40.
7. Multiply Odd Numbers by 5
What can we do for odd numbers? Multiply 5 with an odd number. Let’s say 5 times 9. Now subtract one from this even number. That is 9 minus 1. Now halve this newly formed even number. That means half of eight, which is 4. Now add five to the right of this number. That means 45.
8. Multiply with 9

Multiplying a number with 10 is so easy. But, multiply with 9 confuses a bit. Round up 9 to 10 and then multiply. Let’s say you are multiplying 13 times 9. Now, round up 9 and multiply 13x 10. That is simple, 130. Now, subtract that first number from the result. That is 130-13= 117.
9. Square Two-Digit Number That Ends with One
Squaring two-digit numbers can take too long. But, it can be short to calculate if there is one in the end. Let’s say we are calculating 81 squares.
First, subtract one from 81 to make it 80. Now, multiply 80x 80; that is 6400. Now add 80 twice to this multiplication. It makes 6400+80+80=6560. Finally, add one. That makes 6561, which is exactly the result of 81 squares.
10. Calculate the Percentage
What is the easiest way to calculate a percentage? A common question for many math problems. Let’s say you want to know 44% of 120. Then multiply 44 with 120. That is 5280. Now, put a decimal two digits from the left. So, the answer is 52.80.
11. Balance Average

Finding average is no big deal if you follow some simple steps. If a worker works 12 hours on average for 4 weeks. Then, how can you balance the average in case he worked 12,14 and 14 hours in the first three weeks?
For the first week, 12-12=0; the second week, 14-12=2; Third week, 14-12=2. So, 0+2+2=4 additional hours. If the worker works 12-4=8 hours in the last week, then it will balance out to an average of 12 hours a week.
12. Know the Buzzwords
Students often get puzzled because of some buzzwords. Let’s identify a few common buzzwords for clarification.
- Addition: Sum, a total of, increased by, combined, more than.
- Subtraction: Difference of, less than, fewer than, reduced by.
- Multiplication: The product of times.
- Division: the ratio of, out of, the quotient of, per.
Good techniques not only help you to solve math problems faster, but it also builds your confidence level in your math abilities. You feel more empowered to become an efficient problem solver. Try the above-listed tricks. It will help you to get over the universal hurdle of math.
Tags learning Math problems Students Studying Subtracting
About Marta Sebos

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How to Solve Math Problems Quickly?
Solving mathematics problems is not an easy task; students having good experience in solving complex problems can only solve these questions quickly, but there are many students out there who need more knowledge of their subject & need mathematics homework help to complete their assignments.
If you also got a mathematics assignment, study this blog post, where we will quickly examine various methods of solving math problems.
Maths Theory
Most students start practising examples of mathematics discipline, but there are better ways to start. The correct way is to read the theory first. You can solve multiple questions by practising many, but if the examiner or tutor twists it, you may need help to practice the same question again. You can take the best homework help in Canada to understand the meaning of the question in a much better way.
Read the Problem Carefully
First, read your question carefully and understand it much better. Only then start performing on this. Without understanding the sense of the question, it will be impossible to solve any mathematical Problem. So, to solve the question, re-read it, which is the only key to start.
After Reading Develop the Understanding
If you are an attentive reader, reading & understanding always go hand in hand. If not, then understand the mathematics problem in mind. Try to understand this by asking specific questions to yourself, like what needs to be found & what has been given. Which theory is applied next? Which formula is best to use? Get the best Mathematics homework Help to know more about this step.
Maths Diagram Formation
If you have already given data on the problems, then first, make a rough diagram through the data. Once you make your habit of making the diagram, you can solve any problem with it. Always make a rough sketch once you solve your mathematics problem. Seek the top homework help Canada to know more about it.
Finally, Solve the mathematical Problem.
Now that you are done with the theory, understanding & data relation, it is time to solve the problem. This may be a rough procedure. At this point, you should look into something other than your notebooks for the solution.
Instead, try to correlate all the things for a proper solution. Try to become as many as problems to practice more & more questions. You can also take Mathematics homework Help for such cases.
Go for the Maths Solution
Rechecking is the only mathematical solution which is must to check all the number or data. Whether we are on the right track or solution, we must recheck the solution again -2. Only then can we find all the available mistakes. So always check your answer. For such work, you can also get homework help in Canada.
Solve similar questions to build Confidence
Solving only a few questions will not build your Confidence; instead, you have to do it again – 2. After that, move to a similar problem and solve them. The more you practice a similar kind of Problem, the more confident you will become.
For practice purposes, you can refer to the math problem solver & hire an expert to monitor your practice & guide you accordingly. Get the best Mathematics homework help to know more about it.
Shortcuts to Quickly solve Mathematics Problem
Today’s era demands muti-tasking skills. To solve this, the school requires mental math teaching. But what is mental math? It is nothing but some collection of techniques.
These techniques can be visualization or manipulation of algebra which solves large & complex problems quickly & efficiently.
It also reduces the chances of algebraic computational errors. Many types of math tutors can help you with this . Such mental math tricks mainly deal with division, multiplication, squares, integer roots, addition etc. Get the best homework Help Canada to know more about it.
All these steps help you to solve the mathematical problem quickly. Now we will discuss some strategies that make you better at the mathematics discipline.
Insightful Tips that can excel you in Mathematics Discipline
Several tips help you to solve every problem quickly. Some of them are given below:
1. Break Down Complex Problems
There is always an easier way to solve a problem. Go to the heart of any complex mathematical problem by dividing any complex Problem. Try to simplify them by breaking them down to the most basic form. Get Help from the top homework help in Canada to know more about it.
2. Master the Basic Math Skills
There are calculations needed even to solve basic math skills. It requires sizes, numbers and other measures, considered the basics of math skills. It includes fundamentals like subtraction & addition as well as more advanced algorithm ideas. Possessing such abilities always helps you benefit in school learning, not just everyday life. Some of the basics of Mathematics are:
- Multiplication, division, Addition & Subtraction.
- Decimals & Fractions.
- Percentage & Visual Representation of Data.
- Understand the topic first & then move to another.
3. Know the importance of the Number Sense
Many people memorize math to learn the concept. Due to this reason, they also learned multiplication tables. Students also do this, but due to surge anxiety, while taking the exam, they can forget everything which has been remembered.
If your calculation is easy, your computation becomes more accessible, and you will gain Confidence while solving such problems. Get the best homework Help Canada to know more about it.
4. Consistent & Regular Practice
Another tip here is to become excellent and familiar with your math skills as much as possible. This means you need to first find time to solve every problem daily. The more you practice, the better you become.
If you need help with math as a discipline, seek some online tutoring sites that can train you in math as an available course.
5. Establish A Good Routine
To become better at maths discipline & mastering the concept, make a proper routine. That is one of the most important things because now you have enough time to concentrate on the subject.
If you already master the critical concept, there is no need to worry about practising the same questions again – 2. Get the best Mathematics Homework Help to know more about it.
6. Focus on Understanding New Concepts
As we already discussed, there are multiple topics and problems which you might face during your studies. Please remember the rules and equations for this. You must also understand the importance of learning it because the more time you spend understanding new concepts, the more proficient you are in your arithmetic skills.
It might result in confusion & frustration. For this, always pay attention during class and take advantage of all the new types because all the concepts in mathematics are well – interconnected. Additionally, you must practise all these concepts again – 2. You can also take Mathematics homework Help to learn more about this.
7. Practice Math Test
The maths study session should incorporate many things like solving problems and assessing or understanding all the examples & practice questions. Math tests provide an accurate picture, like an exam-hall scenario; now, you can improve by solving mathematical questions.
8. Apple the maths in real-world challenges
Some students consider maths a waste of time because it has no use in real life. They are wrong. For example, they are finding the budget and taking measurements, estimating the cost & profit, ratio & percentages etc. For others, get the top homework help in Canada.
9. Enrol in private Maths Tutorials
If you find difficulty in any mathematical problem and want some assistance, then we suggest you choose Assignments Help Lite. They have well-experienced experts who are always ready to help you. Due to their experience, many students call it the top Mathematics homework Help in Canada. They also provide many services.
Some of their services are the availability of 24/7 experts, one-to-one assistance, academic writing training, online guided sessions and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mean concept.
The average set of numbers is called the mean. To arrive at this, add all the numbers first & then divide the final value by the number of elements in the list. Get Mathematics homework Help to know more about it.
How can You Make Someone Interested in Mathematics?
Use the actual – world situation to make the series. Add them to the mathematical discussion and lessons. Give them real examples to ignite their interest and help them understand.
What is Algebra & Geometry?
It is a field of maths that uses letters & symbols to stand in for numbers & objects. This concept is used for determining the unknown variable. On the other hand, geometry is also one of the branches of mathematics. It is divided into two parts: plane and additional focus on 3D objects like spheres, cylinders and cubes.
What is the Meaning of Exterior Angles in Polygons?
It is the angle between any side of the polygon & the line extended from the next side. It is created by extending one line. Get top homework help in Canada to know more about it.
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FAST Math Problem Solving Anchor Chart: Fast, Action, Solve, Thinking
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Here’s my FAST Math Anchor Chart:
Fast problem solving stands for facts, action, solve, thinking.
This is where the students show their work and actually solve the problem. This quadrant is basically their work space. This section allows them to work through the problem and actually come up with a solution.
T: Thinking
Student impact.
Hope you enjoyed reading a little more about FAST math problem solving! I’d love if you’d let me know any other problem solving methods you use. And if you are interested in other teaching ideas, do visit our teaching page .
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How to Improve Your Mathematical Calculation Skills
Last Updated: September 13, 2022 References Approved
This article was co-authored by Soren Rosier, PhD . Soren Rosier is a PhD candidate at Stanford's Graduate School of Education. He studies how children teach each other and how to train effective peer teachers. Before beginning his PhD, he was a middle school teacher in Oakland, California, and a researcher at SRI International. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 2010. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 395,132 times.
Mathematical calculations come up frequently in day-to-day life, and there is a lot of benefit to being able to tackle a problem without resorting to a calculator. Whether you’re short for time in an exam or just calculating the tip at a restaurant, working on your calculation skills is a beneficial way to expand your memory and keep your mind sharp!
Practicing the Fundamentals

- You can find speed tests online or in your local school supply store. Typically, there will be 50 problems on a single sheet that you will work through.
- Work as fast as you can to finish and then go back to check your work. The worksheets should take you less than 3 minutes per test page. Set a timer to stick to the 3-minute limit.
- Aim for accuracy above time, but eventually you will only to have to focus on how fast you can get the right answer out.

Soren Rosier, PhD
These basic skills will help you with more difficult math later on. PhD candidate and former teacher Soren Rosier says: "When you practice, these answers become automatic. Then, when you get into higher level math, you can spend less time thinking about calculations, so you can think more about the conceptual aspect of a problem."

- Rather than finding multiplication tables to print out, create your own. The practice of writing the table out will start to work the numbers into your memory even sooner. Write them out at least 7 times before sticking to 1 of your sheets to study.
- Keep working on the tables until you just remember what 6 x 13 is, for example. You should not have to work out the math for any of the 256 combinations.
- You can find multiplication speed tests similar to the addition and subtraction ones as well online and in school supply stores. After reviewing the tables sufficiently, work up to the timed tests.

- Having this type of recall will also help you to recognize when a number won’t be evenly divisible. For example, you might see 127 / 14 and remember that this is almost the even division of 126 / 14 = 9. Since the numerator is slightly off, you will know to resort to working out the problem.
- Knowing that 127 is larger than 14 x 9 will help you to immediately realize that the answer is going to be slightly larger than 9!
Using Other Methods to Calculate

- Instead of dealing with writing down the multiplication and work right-to-left, you can realize that you’re looking for 125 x (10 + 5) = (125 x 10) + (125 x 5) = (125 x 10) + (125 x 10 / 2).
- By breaking the problem down to one simple calculation of 125 x 10, one division by 2, and one addition, you avoid a trickier multiplication.
- Always look for ways to use simpler calculations or memorized multiplication tables, for instance, to simplify a harder calculation.
- Understanding these component parts can then be applied to leaving a 15% tip, for example, and all you have to do is move some decimal places afterward.

- Challenge yourself to work on areas that you notice you struggle in. If fractions tend to give you a hang up when calculating, spend a week or two just doing fraction calculations.
- Even just looking at multiplication tables or worked out problems is beneficial. Eventually, you will start to notice patterns and new ways to deconstruct problems you didn’t see before.

- Hearing yourself say a number creates another mental copy of the number in your working memory. With an auditory and visual copy of the number, it becomes easier to recall as you’re calculating.

- Although fingers can be a quick way to hold a number aside during a calculation, try to rely on the visual memory or even auditory memory instead.
- Testing yourself by not relying on a calculator or even writing the numbers down will help with your working memory, number recall, and even visual/spatial skills.
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- ↑ https://education.jlab.org/smadd/
- ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/tables.html
- ↑ https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog/2012/05/09/everyday-ways-to-improve-your-mental-math-skills/
- ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/multiplication-tips-tricks.html
- ↑ https://guides.lib.uoguelph.ca/MathWithoutCalculator
- ↑ https://www.ldatschool.ca/evidence-based-interventions-for-math/
About This Article

To improve your mathematical calculation skills, memorize the multiplication tables up through 15, which will make doing calculations in your head a lot easier. Also, try to regularly take speed addition, subtraction, and division tests online so you can get faster and faster at them. You can also do a few small calculations a day to put what you're learning to use. Just try to do them in your head before you break out a pencil and paper or a calculator. To learn how to simplify calculations so they're easier to do, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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These four easy steps can make you a math whiz

Assistant Professor of Education Studies, University of Oregon
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Many people find mathematics daunting. If true, this piece is for you. If not, this piece is still for you.
What do you think of when you think about mathematics? Perhaps you think about x’s and y’s, intractable fractions, or nonsensical word problems. The cartoonist Gary Larson once depicted hell’s library as containing only giant tomes of word problems. You know, “If a train leaves New York…”
I was trained as a mathematician, and I will let you in on a trade secret: That is not what mathematics is, nor where it lives. It’s true that learning mathematics often involves solving problems, but it should focus on the joy of solving puzzles, rather than memorizing rules.
I invite you to see yourself as a problem solver and mathematician. And I’d like to introduce you to the man who once invited me to the study of problem solving: George Pólya.
Math Pólya’s way
For many reasons, not the least of which is that Pólya died in 1985, you will meet him as I did – through his wildly successful “How to Solve It .” Penned in 1945, this book went on to sell over one million copies and was translated into 17 languages.
As a mathematician, Pólya worked on a wide range of problems, including the study of heuristics, or how to solve problems. When you read “How to Solve It,” it feels like you’re taking a guided tour of Pólya’s mind. This is because his writing is metacognitive – he writes about how he thinks about thinking. And metacognition is often the heart of problem solving.
Pólya’s problem solving plan breaks down to four simple steps:
- Make sure you understand the problem.
- Make a plan to solve the problem.
- Carry out the plan.
- Check your work to test your answer.
There it is. Problem solving in the palm of your hand – math reduced to four steps.
Here’s a classic problem from research on mathematics education done by Jean Lave. A man, let’s call him John, is making ¾ of a recipe that calls for 2/3 cup of cottage cheese. What do you think John did? What would you do?
If you’re like me, you might immediately dive into calculations, perhaps struggling with what the fractions mean, working to remember the rules for arithmetic. That’s what John seemed to do, at first. But then he had a Eureka! moment.
John measured 2/3 cup of cottage cheese, then dumped it onto a cutting board. He patted the cheese into a circle and drew lines into it, one vertical, one horizontal, dividing the cheese patty into quarters. He then carefully pushed one quarter of the cottage cheese back into its container. Voilá! Three-quarters of 2/3 cup of cottage cheese remained.
John is a mathematician and problem solver. First, he understood the problem: He needed ¾ of what the recipe called for, which was 2/3 cup. Then, he made a plan, most likely visualizing in his head how he would measure and divide the cottage cheese. Finally, he carried out the plan.
Did he check his answer? That remains unclear, but we can check the validity of his work for him. Did he indeed end up with ¾ of 2/3 cup of cottage cheese? Yes, because the full amount was reduced by one-quarter, leaving three-quarters.
Another approach
Would this solution work with different foods or serving sizes? So long as a person could divide that serving into quarters, yes, the plan would work.
Could we solve the problem another way with the same result? Sure — there are many ways to solve this problem, and they should all result in the same half-cup answer. Here is one.

Notice that this solution uses pictures. New brain research validates what mathematics educators have been saying for decades: Pictures help us think. Drawing pictures also happens to be another of Pólya’s suggestions.
John probably made use of one of Pólya’s most important suggestions: Can you think of a related problem?
Of course, this is a cheesy problem – sorry, I really didn’t even try to fight that pun – which is a common complaint about story problems. I chose it because it has delighted math researchers for years, and because John is quite clever in his solution. He is also extremely mathematical.
I’ve taught mathematics, and how to teach mathematics, for nearly 30 years. For over a decade, it was my job to convince high school freshmen not only that algebra was meaningful, but that it was meant for them, and they for it. In my work, I’ve met many people who love mathematics and many who find it overwhelming and nonsensical. And so it’s an important part of my work to help people see the beauty and wonder of mathematics, and think of themselves as mathematicians.
These messages are especially important for parents helping children learn mathematics. If you understand the problem you’re trying to solve, you’re well on your way to solving it. And you, yes you, are a problem solver.
We all know it’s not always so simple to solve problems. Pólya did too. That’s the glory of it – the messy, wonderful, powerful adventure.
- Mathematics
- Mathematics education
- Math problem
- Mathematical ability
- Global perspectives
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Here are 15 techniques to show students, helping them solve math problems faster: Addition and Subtraction Many students struggle when learning to add integers of three digits or higher together, but changing the process's steps can make it easier. The first step is to add what's easy. The second step is to add the rest.
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