Addition tricks
Round a number to the nearest 10, add, then fix the difference. Much easier than adding awkward numbers!
47 + 38 = ?
Round 38 → 40, then: 47 + 40 = 87
We added 2 too many, so: 87 − 2 = 85 ✓
Split numbers into tens and ones. Add the tens first, then the ones — way less confusing!
63 + 25 = ?
60 + 20 = 80, then 3 + 5 = 8
80 + 8 = 88 ✓
Steal from one number to make the other a round 10. Then the addition is effortless.
8 + 6 = ?
Take 2 from 6, give it to 8: now it's 10 + 4
10 + 4 = 14 ✓
Subtraction tricks
Instead of subtracting, count UP from the smaller to the bigger number. Think of it like making change!
83 − 47 = ?
47 → 50 = +3
50 → 83 = +33
3 + 33 = 36 ✓
Round the number you're subtracting to a friendly 10, subtract, then adjust back.
75 − 29 = ?
Round 29 → 30: 75 − 30 = 45
Subtracted 1 too many, so: 45 + 1 = 46 ✓
Subtract tens digit from 9, ones digit from 10. Works like magic every time!
100 − 63 = ?
Tens: 9 − 6 = 3 Ones: 10 − 3 = 7
Answer = 37 ✓
Multiplication tricks
Hold up both hands. Fold down the finger matching your number. Left fingers = tens, right fingers = ones.
9 × 7 = ?
Fold down finger 7
Left: 6 fingers Right: 3 fingers
Answer = 63 ✓
First digit, sum of both digits in the middle, last digit. Done in seconds!
35 × 11 = ?
First: 3 Middle: 3+5 = 8 Last: 5
Answer = 385 ✓
Multiply by 10 (add a zero!), then halve the result. Super fast!
48 × 5 = ?
48 × 10 = 480
480 ÷ 2 = 240 ✓
For ×2, ×4, ×8 — just keep doubling. One of the easiest multiplication tricks around!
23 × 4 = ?
23 × 2 = 46, then double again:
46 × 2 = 92 ✓
Division tricks
Know instantly if a number divides evenly — no calculator needed!
÷ 2 → last digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
÷ 3 → digits add up to a multiple of 3
÷ 5 → ends in 0 or 5
÷ 10 → ends in 0
Is 126 ÷ 3 exact? 1+2+6 = 9 → Yes! ✓
Halve the tens, halve the ones, then add. Works great for any even number!
84 ÷ 2 = ?
Half of 80 = 40, half of 4 = 2
40 + 2 = 42 ✓
Stuck on a division? Flip it! Ask "what times __ gives me this?" Your times tables work backwards.
72 ÷ 8 = ?
Think: 8 × ? = 72
8 × 9 = 72, so answer = 9 ✓
Test your skills
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