Speed Mathematics (3^rd Ed.)

This new, revised edition of the bestselling Speed Mathematics features new chapters on memorising numbers and general information, calculating statistics and compound interest, square roots, logarithms and easy trig calculations. Written so anyone can understand, this book teaches simple strategies that will enable readers to make lightning-quick calculations. People who excel at mathematics use better strategies than the rest of us; they are not necessarily more intelligent. With Speed Mathematics you'll discover methods to make maths easy and fun. This book is perfect for students, parents, teachers and anyone who enjoys working with figures and even those who are terrified of numbers!

Preface v

Introduction vii

1 Multiplication: Part one 1

2 Using a reference number 6

3 Multiplying numbers above and below the reference number 14

4 Checking answers: Part one 18

5 Multiplication: Part two 25

6 Multiplying decimals 41

7 Multiplying using two reference numbers 47

8 Addition 59

9 Subtraction 66

10 Squaring numbers 75

11 Short division 89

12 Long division by factors 94

13 Standard long division 100

14 Direct division 106

15 Division by addition 117

16 Checking answers: Part two 135

17 Estimating square roots 141

18 Calculating square roots 151

19 Fun shortcuts 162

20 Adding and subtracting fractions 180

21 Multiplying and dividing fractions 186

22 Direct multiplication 192

23 Estimating answers 199

24 Estimating hypotenuse 203

25 Memorising numbers 208

26 Phonetic pegs 215

27 Memorising long numbers 223

28 Logarithms 229

29 Using what you have learned 240

Afterword 248

Appendix A Frequently asked questions 250

Appendix B Estimating cube roots 256

Appendix C Finding any root of a number 263

Appendix D Checks for divisibility 267

Appendix E Why our methods work 283

Appendix F Casting out nines — why it works 289

Appendix G Squaring feet and inches 291

Appendix H How do you get students to enjoy mathematics? 294

Appendix I Solving problems 298

Glossary 300

Index 303

Based in Melbourne, Bill Handly is recognized as an authority of mathematics and study methods in Australia and overseas. His methods of teaching maths, learning and thinking strategies have achieved astonishing results in schools worldwide.