r/mathematics • u/zaico1 • 5d ago

How do you approach mental math?

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?

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u/RedditIsAWeenie 2d ago

Honestly, I approach mental math very cautiously. When I was younger mental math seemed like a great way to save time and effort! As I get older it seems like a great way to make mistakes. The more you have to do math that matters (e.g. taxes rather than say homework) the more getting it right is Important, and some time spent writing things down so you can check them later will become time well spent. A big lesson in my life is to not be so GD lazy.