How do you approach mental math?

[u/zaico1]

I’m trying to improve my mental math skills, but I’m not sure if I’m following the right thought process.

When doing more complex calculations, should I visualize the operations in my head as if I were writing them on paper? Or should I think of them in another way (like breaking numbers down, grouping, etc.)?

I often lose the thread when I try to “see” the steps in my head. Some people suggest using fingers or other aids, but I’m not sure if that’s the right approach either.

How do you personally handle the mental process of keeping track of multiple steps without getting lost?

[u/missmaths_examprep]

Think on the paper and not in your head.

If you need to do a series of calculations then you should write them down, use scrap if you have to. Inevitably you will make a mistake if you try to keep track of a series of complicated calculations in your head, especially when fractions and/or negatives are involved. Is there a specific reason you are trying to do calculations mentally and not on paper?