Mental arithmetic is a skill we use every day, often without even realizing it. It’s the ability to perform mathematical operations in our heads, without the aid of written material, a calculator or a computer. This ability enables us to solve a wide range of mathematical problems quickly and efficiently, and to make informed decisions in many everyday situations.
Let’s take a simple example of mental arithmetic: if you’re in the supermarket and want to buy three apples each costing €0.60, you’ll probably do a quick calculation in your head to work out how much you’re going to pay. You multiply €0.60 by three and deduce that the total cost will be €1.80. This process of quick multiplication and cost estimation is an example of mental arithmetic.
Mental arithmetic isn’t just useful for everyday shopping, it’s also invaluable in more complex situations, where speed and accuracy can be crucial, such as in professions linked to finance, engineering or even math teaching.
By developing our mental arithmetic skills, we can improve our efficiency in a wide range of areas and tasks, and equip ourselves with a powerful tool for navigating the world around us. Regular practice of mental arithmetic can improve our memory, concentration and ability to solve problems creatively and strategically.