Children who struggle with numbers can definitely learn some clever shortcuts, a.k.a. “math tricks” to perform calculations more easily. More specifically, math tricks help students arrive at a correct answer while eliminating multiple steps.
As kids master these shortcuts, their mathematical abilities increase. Since they make math fun, a child who dislikes math will eventually learn to love it
6 Math Tricks for Kids
It’s time to teach some tricks to kids! Below are some examples that are suitable for them. Encourage them to pick one shortcut each day and keep practicing it.
1. Multiplying by 6
When you multiply an even number by 6, the answer will contain the same even number. For instance, if you want to multiply 4 (which is even) by 6, you’ll get an answer with the number 4.
Using this math trick, your goal is to find the missing digit in the tens place, which is to the left of the even number.
Here’s what your child will do:
Divide the even number they intend to multiply by 6 by 2. Let’s use 4 as our even number. So…
4 / 2 = 2
With that, 2 is the digit in the tens place. Next, place 2 before 4, which gives you the number 24! This means 24 is the answer when you multiply 4 by 6.
2. Subtracting numbers from 1000
Is your child having a hard time subtracting a large number from 1000? Without using a pen and paper, they can arrive at the correct answer by doing this:
If they’re subtracting three-digit numbers, they can simply subtract the first two numbers from 9 and the last number from 10.
For example, subtracting 236 from 1000 would result in 764. We get this answer quickly by subtracting 2 from 9, 3 from 9, and 6 from 10.
Another example: Subtracting 641 from 1000 would result in 359. This is because 9 minus 6 equals 3, 9 minus 4 equals 5, and 10 minus 1 equals 9.
3. Multiplying large numbers
Normally, multiplying two large numbers takes a lot of time, which is why this math trick can be so useful. This skill is particularly helpful in situations, such as timed tests and roll call questions in a math class.
All your child needs to do is memorize the four simple steps in this trick. Let’s say they need to find the answer to 90 * 92. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Subtract both large numbers from 100.
Using this rule, 100 – 90 and 100 – 92 equals… 10 and 8.
Step 2: Add both answers to get the sum.
Using this rule, 10 + 8 equals… 18.
Step 3: Next, subtract the sum from 100. The answer will represent the first half of the answer you get from multiplying large numbers.
Using this rule, 100 – 18 equals… 82.
Step 4: To get the second half of the answer from multiplying large numbers, simply multiply the answers (differences) from step 1.
Using this rule, 10 * 8 equals… 80.
So, if you multiply 90 by 92, you get 8280!
4. Using fingers to multiply
Did you know that you can use your fingers to multiply smaller numbers? Students who are just learning multiplication will easily answer multiples of 9 by following this trick.
For example, let’s say you need to multiply 9 by 4. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Place both of your hands out in front of you. Palms should be facing up.
Step 2: Next, count your fingers starting from the left thumb to the right thumb.
Step 3: When you count, remember to stop once you reach the multiplier (in our case, this is 4, whereas the multiplicand is 9).
Step 4: Put down the finger where the number 4 ends. This would be your left ring finger.
Step 5: Figure out the answer to 9 * 4 by counting the remaining fingers to the left and right of your bent finger. The answer should be 36!
5. The answer is always 37
Want to teach your child an intriguing hack that will always lead to the number 37?
The secret to this is to let someone they’re trying to impress choose any three-digit number where all the digits are the same!
Note that this trick might require a calculator.
Let’s begin. For instance, if their friend chooses the number 444 — which will eventually result in 37 — here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Add the three digits. So, 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Step 2: Divide 444 by 12. The answer is 37!
With this two-step trick involving addition and division, any three-digit number will result in 37.
6. Multiplication by 11
This is one of the easiest math tricks that kids should know about. In fact, most people are aware of this trick!
When you multiply a single digit number by 11 — i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 — the answer you get is the same number repeated twice! For example, 11 * 5 = 55.
But what about multiplying double digits by 11?
Using Vedic mathematics, this would generate three-digit answers — with the digit in between being the sum of the outer digits. If this sounds confusing, here’s an example:
Let’s say you need to multiply 34 * 11. Here’s what you’ll do:
Step 1: Write 3 and 4 as separate numbers.
Step 2: Add 3 and 4, and you get 7.
Step 3: Next, rearrange the three digits. 3 and 4 are the outer digits, while 7 would be the middle digit. So, 34 * 11 = 374!
Math Magic Unleashed
These math tricks or shortcuts turn every young learning into a “math wizard,” but more importantly they can come in handy in everyday situations. Integrate these tricks into their learning, whether at home or in school, through fun activities like math jokes and riddles.
When choosing a math trick to teach, make sure they’re relevant to the child’s age. Some tricks are more suitable for older kids while others are perfect for young learners. You can start by letting them decide what they like!
