Key Takeaways
1. Master the Speed Mathematics Method for Rapid Calculations
The kids (and adults) who are geniuses at mathematics don't have better brains than you — they have better methods.
Foundation of speed math. The Speed Mathematics Method is based on using reference numbers and circles to simplify calculations. This approach allows for quick mental math, often faster than using a calculator. The key is to break down complex problems into simpler steps that can be easily computed in your head.
Practical applications. This method can be applied to various mathematical operations, including multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. By mastering these techniques, students can perform calculations that seem impossible to others, such as multiplying two-digit numbers or doing long division mentally. The speed and accuracy gained from this method can be applied in everyday situations, from shopping to sports statistics.
Benefits of Speed Mathematics:
- Faster than traditional methods
- Increases mental agility
- Boosts mathematical confidence
- Applicable to real-life situations
2. Simplify Multiplication Using Reference Numbers and Circles
Using the speed mathematics method, it doesn't matter if you forget one of your tables. Why? Because if you don't know an answer, you can simply do a lightning calculation to get an instant solution.
Reference numbers simplify calculations. The core of the Speed Mathematics Method for multiplication involves using reference numbers (usually 10, 100, or multiples thereof) and drawing circles to represent the difference between the numbers being multiplied and the reference number. This approach breaks down complex multiplications into simpler addition or subtraction problems.
Versatility of the method. This technique can be applied to a wide range of numbers, from simple single-digit multiplications to complex two-digit or even three-digit multiplications. The method is particularly useful for numbers close to 10, 100, or 1000, but can be adapted for other reference numbers as well. By practicing this method, students can quickly perform multiplications that would typically require a calculator or lengthy written calculations.
Steps for Speed Multiplication:
- Choose a reference number close to both numbers being multiplied
- Draw circles and write the difference between each number and the reference number
- Add or subtract diagonally
- Multiply the result by the reference number
- Multiply the numbers in the circles
- Add or subtract the results to get the final answer
3. Conquer Addition and Subtraction with Mental Math Strategies
If you use your imagination you can use these strategies to solve any multiplication problem.
Rethink traditional methods. The book introduces alternative approaches to addition and subtraction that prioritize mental calculation over written methods. These strategies often involve rounding numbers up or down to make calculations easier, then adjusting the result accordingly.
Practical techniques. For addition, the method often involves adding from left to right, rather than right to left as taught in traditional methods. For subtraction, the key is to round the number being subtracted to a convenient value, perform the subtraction, and then adjust the result. These methods reduce the need for carrying and borrowing, making mental calculations faster and more intuitive.
Key Strategies for Mental Addition and Subtraction:
- Round numbers to nearest 10 or 100
- Add or subtract the rounded number
- Adjust the result by adding or subtracting the difference
- For multi-digit problems, work from left to right
- Use knowledge of number relationships (e.g., combinations that make 10)
4. Demystify Division Through Factors and Mental Techniques
Break big problems down to little problems and you can do them.
Simplify through factors. The book introduces a method of division that breaks down complex divisors into simpler factors. This approach allows for easier mental calculations and reduces the complexity of long division problems. By using factors, students can tackle divisions that would typically require written calculations or a calculator.
Mental division techniques. For mental division, the book introduces a method of rounding the divisor to a convenient number (usually a multiple of 10), performing the division, and then adjusting the result. This approach allows for quick estimations and exact calculations for a wide range of division problems.
Division Strategies:
- Break divisors into factors when possible
- For mental division, round the divisor to a convenient number
- Perform the simplified division
- Adjust the result based on the difference between the actual divisor and the rounded number
- Practice with various divisors to build confidence and speed
5. Unlock the Power of Fractions and Decimals
When I was in primary school I noticed that many of my teachers had problems when they had to explain fractions. But fractions are easy.
Demystify fractions. The book presents fractions as a natural part of everyday life, from telling time to dividing food. By relating fractions to familiar concepts, it removes the intimidation factor often associated with them. The key is to understand that fractions are simply a way of expressing division.
Simplify operations with fractions. The book introduces straightforward methods for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. These methods often involve cross-multiplication or finding common denominators, but are presented in a way that makes them easy to understand and apply mentally.
Fraction and Decimal Techniques:
- Visualize fractions in real-life contexts
- Use cross-multiplication for adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators
- Multiply fractions by multiplying numerators and denominators separately
- Divide fractions by flipping the second fraction and multiplying
- Convert between fractions and decimals using division
6. Enhance Problem-Solving with Checking Techniques
Casting out nines is one of the most useful tools available for working with mathematics. I use it almost every day.
Importance of verification. The book emphasizes the importance of checking answers, not just for accuracy but as a way to build confidence and understanding. The primary method introduced is "casting out nines," a technique that can be applied to check results of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Casting out nines. This method involves reducing numbers to their digital roots (the sum of their digits, repeated until a single digit is obtained) and performing the operation on these simplified numbers. If the digital root of the result matches the digital root of the calculated answer, it's likely correct. While not foolproof, this method catches most errors and is quick to perform mentally.
Steps for Casting Out Nines:
- Reduce each number in the problem to its digital root
- Perform the operation with the digital roots
- Reduce the result to its digital root
- Compare with the digital root of your calculated answer
- If they match, your answer is likely correct
7. Boost Mathematical Confidence and Intelligence
If you are good at maths, people think you are smart. People will treat you like you are a genius.
Build self-esteem through math. The book emphasizes that mathematical ability is not innate but learned through better methods. By mastering these techniques, students can dramatically improve their math skills, leading to increased confidence not just in mathematics, but in their overall intellectual abilities.
Practical application builds skills. The key to mastering these techniques is regular practice and application in real-life situations. The book encourages readers to use these methods in everyday calculations, from shopping to sports statistics. This practical approach ensures that the skills become ingrained and automatic.
Benefits of Improved Math Skills:
- Increased overall confidence
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- Improved mental agility
- Better performance in school and work
- Ability to impress others with quick calculations
Last updated:
FAQ
What is "Speed Mathematics: Secret Skills for Quick Calculation" by Bill Handley about?
- Fun, Fast Mental Math: The book teaches innovative, easy-to-learn methods for performing rapid mental calculations, making math more accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
- Step-by-Step Strategies: It introduces a range of techniques, from basic multiplication shortcuts to advanced mental arithmetic, all explained in a conversational, student-friendly style.
- Focus on Understanding: Rather than rote memorization, the book emphasizes understanding mathematical principles and encourages creative problem-solving.
- For All Learners: While aimed at younger students, the methods are suitable for anyone who wants to improve their math skills, including parents and teachers.
Why should I read "Speed Mathematics: Secret Skills for Quick Calculation" by Bill Handley?
- Boosts Math Confidence: The book helps readers overcome math anxiety by providing tools to achieve quick, accurate results, leading to greater confidence and enjoyment.
- Practical Everyday Skills: Techniques are directly applicable to real-life situations, such as shopping, sports, and exams, making math more relevant and useful.
- Outperform Peers and Calculators: With practice, readers can solve problems faster than those using calculators, impressing teachers, friends, and themselves.
- Encourages Lifelong Learning: The playful, experimental approach fosters a love of math and a growth mindset, benefiting learners of all ages.
What are the key takeaways from "Speed Mathematics: Secret Skills for Quick Calculation" by Bill Handley?
- Reference Number Method: Learn to use reference numbers (like 10, 100, 20, 50) to simplify multiplication and division, making complex calculations manageable.
- Mental Calculation Shortcuts: Discover strategies for rapid addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including special tricks for multiplying by 11 and squaring numbers ending in 5.
- Checking Answers Efficiently: Master the "casting out nines" technique to quickly verify the accuracy of your calculations.
- Flexible, Creative Thinking: The book encourages experimenting with numbers and methods, helping readers develop adaptable problem-solving skills.
How does the "reference number" method work in Bill Handley’s "Speed Mathematics"?
- Choose a Reference Number: Select a number close to those being multiplied (e.g., 10, 100, 20, 50) to simplify the calculation.
- Calculate Differences: Determine how much each number is above or below the reference, and use these differences in a structured process.
- Cross-Subtract and Multiply: Subtract crossways to get part of the answer, then multiply the differences for the remainder.
- Adaptable to Many Problems: This method works for numbers above, below, or on opposite sides of the reference, and can be extended to decimals and larger numbers.
What is the "casting out nines" method for checking answers in "Speed Mathematics" by Bill Handley?
- Digit Sum Substitution: Replace each number in your calculation with the sum of its digits, repeating until you get a single digit.
- Perform the Operation: Do the same operation (addition, multiplication, etc.) with these single-digit substitutes.
- Compare Results: The final single-digit result should match the digit sum of your original answer; if not, there’s likely a mistake.
- Quick and Universal: This method works for most arithmetic operations and is especially useful for large numbers or when calculators are impractical.
How does "Speed Mathematics" by Bill Handley teach multiplication for numbers above and below reference numbers?
- Circles Above or Below: Place circles above numbers if they’re above the reference, below if they’re below, and fill in the differences.
- Add or Subtract Crossways: For numbers above, add crossways; for numbers below, subtract crossways to get the first part of the answer.
- Multiply Differences: Multiply the numbers in the circles for the second part of the answer, adjusting for positive or negative results as needed.
- Handles Mixed Cases: The method also covers cases where one number is above and the other below the reference, teaching when to add or subtract the final product.
What are Bill Handley’s strategies for rapid addition and subtraction in "Speed Mathematics"?
- Left-to-Right Addition: Add numbers from left to right, not right to left, to make mental calculations easier and more intuitive.
- Rounding and Adjusting: Round numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, or other convenient value, then adjust by adding or subtracting the difference.
- Pairing for Tens: When adding columns, look for pairs that sum to ten first, then add the rest, reducing cognitive load.
- Subtraction Shortcuts: For subtraction, subtract a rounded number and "give back" the difference, turning difficult subtractions into easier additions.
How does "Speed Mathematics" by Bill Handley simplify division, including long division?
- Division by Factors: Break down large divisors into smaller factors (e.g., divide by 36 as divide by 6, then by 6), making the process manageable.
- Direct Long Division: Use estimation and rounding to simplify long division, adjusting as you go for more accurate results.
- Shortcuts for Special Cases: Learn tricks like dividing by 9 using digit sums, or doubling both numbers when dividing by numbers ending in 5.
- Mental Division Practice: The book encourages doing as much as possible in your head, building speed and confidence.
What methods does "Speed Mathematics" by Bill Handley offer for working with fractions and decimals?
- Cross-Multiplication for Fractions: Add or subtract fractions by multiplying crossways and combining results, then multiplying denominators for the new denominator.
- Multiplying and Dividing Fractions: Multiply numerators and denominators directly; for division, flip the second fraction and multiply.
- Decimals as Whole Numbers: Ignore decimal points during calculation, then place the decimal in the answer based on the total number of decimal places in the problem.
- Simplifying and Estimating: Always simplify fractions and estimate decimal answers to check for reasonableness.
How does "Speed Mathematics" by Bill Handley help with learning and memorizing multiplication tables?
- Learning Through Calculation: The reference number method allows students to calculate any multiplication fact, reinforcing memory through repeated use.
- Tables Beyond 12: The book provides strategies for learning higher tables (13, 14, 15, and beyond) using patterns and factorization.
- Multiplying by 11 and Multiples: Special shortcuts make multiplying by 11, 22, 33, etc., quick and memorable.
- Practice and Play: Emphasizes playing with numbers and showing off skills to make learning tables engaging and effective.
What are the best quotes from "Speed Mathematics: Secret Skills for Quick Calculation" by Bill Handley and what do they mean?
- "The easiest way to solve a problem is also the fastest, with the least chance of making a mistake." – Emphasizes the book’s philosophy of seeking simple, efficient methods for all calculations.
- "The kids (and adults) who are geniuses at mathematics don’t have better brains than you — they have better methods." – Encourages readers that anyone can excel at math with the right techniques.
- "This is a book to play with. You are going to learn easy ways of doing calculations, and then we are going to play and experiment with them." – Highlights the playful, experimental approach to learning math.
- "If you succeed and perform like a genius you will love mathematics." – Suggests that enjoyment of math comes from success, which is achievable through these methods.
How can parents and teachers use the advice in "Speed Mathematics" by Bill Handley to help children succeed in math?
- Encourage Playful Practice: Support children in experimenting with the methods, making math a fun and rewarding activity rather than a chore.
- Focus on Understanding: Use the book’s explanations to help children grasp underlying concepts, not just memorize procedures.
- Promote Self-Checking: Teach children to use "casting out nines" and other checking methods to build confidence and accuracy.
- Boost Self-Esteem: Recognize and celebrate progress, using the book’s strategies to help children see themselves as capable and intelligent mathematicians.
Review Summary
Speed Math for Kids receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.99 out of 5. Some readers find the book interesting and helpful, praising its clever techniques for mental calculations and shortcuts for mathematical operations. Others criticize it for being overwhelming with too many methods. Several reviewers appreciate the book's unique approach to math, while some prefer other systems like Trachtenberg. A few readers express enthusiasm for learning new ways to perform mental math, though one reviewer simply states they don't like math.
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
