How to Be a Math Whiz

Many people just aren't very good at math. Fortunately, those few who are good at it have been willing to share what they know with the rest us. A little practice can turn anyone into a math whiz. Follow these steps to learn how.

Things You'll Need

• "Secrets of Mental Math" by Arthur Benjamin

Instructions

1. Memorize multiplication tables. This is an essential first step for everyone. If you've forgotten the multiplication tables you memorized in school, learn them again.

2. Learn chisenbop. This is a Korean method of adding and subtracting quickly using your fingers. Many who practice chisenbop eventually learn how to do the calculations by just visualizing the finger movements and never actually "getting out their fingers."

3. Learn the Trachtenberg system. Trachtenberg was a Russian who was imprisoned in a concentration camp. He kept his mind busy by learning fast ways to do math in his head; when he was released he started teaching his system of math.

4. Learn the concepts. Many bright students who have difficulty with math are trying to simply memorize, just as they do with most other subjects in school. Math, however, must actually be learned and understood.

5. Ask what the real world applications are. What are derivatives for? Why is trigonometry needed? People who claim they don't understand algebra nevertheless use it to figure out what the best buys are in the grocery store. Don't wait for the word problems to try to understand what the equations mean.

6. Learn some math history. It may seem like dry reading, but the history of math and of mathematicians can be fascinating. Start with the history of the number zero or Newton's battle with Leibniz over who invented calculus.

7. Read books about mental math. Arthur Benjamin, who performs calculations for sellout crowds in Las Vegas, has written some excellent books.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice. No one gets to be a math whiz without practicing. Work your problems neatly so you can go back and see the steps you've taken.

• If you become frustrated with a math problem, don't continue to sit there and work on it. Take a break and spend a few minutes doing something that has nothing to do with math. If you can, quit for the day, sleep, and try again in the morning.

Resources

• Sherman Keene's website has a free download for the Trachtenberg System