3 Helpful Tricks To Do Quick Maths When Taking Exams
Everyone knows that taking a math exam puts plenty of pressure on students.
The fact that they must complete all their questions within a set amount of time only adds to that pressure. Given this time constraint, being able to do quick maths is a crucial skill. It helps ensure that students can solve all the questions provided and secure as many marks as possible before time runs out. To help you get started, here are three helpful tricks to do fast maths perfect for exams or any situation where you need to calculate quickly.
1. Quickly Multiply Numbers in Your Mind
Whether its during supplementary H2 Math tuition or actual exams, multiplication is one of the most essential and recurring skills in mathematics. Here are a few mental multiplication tricks that can save you time without a calculator: - Multiplying by 5 Use this rule: `5 = 10 2`. For example, to solve 48 5: Multiply 48 by 10 ? `48 10 = 480` Then divide the result by 2 ? `480 2 = 240`. ? Final answer: 240 - Rearrange factors for easier recall If you forget a product from the multiplication table, switch the two factors. For example: `4 7` can be rewritten as `7 4` sometimes easier to remember. - Multiplying by 9 Multiply the number by 10 first, then subtract the number once. Example: 23 9 `23 10 = 230`, then `230 ? 23 = 207`. ? Final answer: 207 > ?? Pro tip: Practise these shortcuts often to develop muscle memory for faster calculations!
2. Calculating Percentages Instantly
The key to fast percentage calculations is memorising core percentages: 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%. Once you know these, you can quickly estimate other values that are multiples of 5. Example: Find 15% of 430 - 10% of 430 = 43 - 5% of 430 = 43 2 = 21.5 - Add both: `43 + 21.5 = 64.5` ? 15% of 430 = 64.5 For percentages above 100%, move the decimal point two places to the left and multiply directly. Example: Find 270% of 30 - Convert 270% ? `2.7` - Multiply: `2.7 30 = 81` ? 270% of 30 = 81 > ?? Learning these simple percentage shortcuts will save valuable seconds during exams.
3. Faster Addition Method
This trick is perfect for quickly adding large numbers. Steps: 1. Round up all numbers (addends) to make them simpler. 2. Keep note of how much you rounded each number by. 3. Add the rounded numbers together. 4. Add the adjustments you made. 5. Subtract the sum of the adjustments from the total. Example: Add 734 + 328 - Round the numbers: `734 ? 740` (+6), and `328 ? 330` (+2) - Add the rounded numbers: `740 + 330 = 1070` - Add the adjustments: `6 + 2 = 8` - Subtract: `1070 ? 8 = 1062` ? Final answer: 1062 > ?? This method is especially useful in mental maths and quick estimations.
Conclusion
With limited exam time, being able to calculate efficiently is essential to achieving your best possible score. Not all exams allow calculators, so learning these quick maths techniques can be a real advantage. Beyond speed, however, true success in mathematics comes from understanding core concepts and practising consistently.
If youre determined to improve your skills and confidence, consider enrolling in additional maths tuition in Singapore to strengthen your foundation and excel in your exams.