Speed Mathematics

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.