Solve Problems Using Mental Arithmetic

Once learners have started to learn to do arithmetic by writing, or recording, the numbers in the solutions, it is time to start practicing computing answers 'in their heads'. Learners can practice doing this, and receive immediate feedback about their answers, in several of the Math Skill Builders Activities.

In Tutor, learners can solve problems in their heads, then watch the program solve the problem to see if their answers are correct. If their answers are incorrect, they should try to figure out what they did incorrectly when they tried to answer using mental arithmetic.

In Assignment, learners can write the answers without working out the complete solution. Use Check Assignment to check the answers. Learners can also get an Assignment, and go straight to Check Assignment. They can compute the answer to each problem as it shows on the screen, and then type the answer and see if it was correct.

In Practice, learners can solve each problem using mental arithmetic, and try typing the answer left to right. To be able to type just the answer, turn off Show Work in Solution and Guide Student Solution in Preferences.

See Use Arithmetic Everyday and Use Arithmetic Skills in Games and Activities for suggestions for activities that require doing mental arithmetic in everyday activities. See Use Mental Arithmetic for tips for how to do mental arithmetic.