Math Made Easy 101

Doubling with no carries

2009-07-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

Doubling is a very efficient math technique that is often under utilized. If you can double you can add, subtract, multiply and divide certain numbers easily. When learning our addition facts we often pick up doubles easily. Adding the digits to themselves seems fun.

One great thing about doubling is that there are only 10 numbers you need to be able to double. If you can double those 10 numbers, you can double anything. WooHoo :)

Ta Da! You have just doubled everything there is to double. Ever.

So let us get started doubling...

Let's say you have the number 23...

Step 1: Double the first digit, so 2 doubled is 4

Step 2: Double the next digit, so 3 doubled is 6

Great, our answer is 46

Let's try another one, how about doubling 324

Step 1: Double the first digit, so 3 doubled is 6

Step 2: Double the next digit(s), so 2 doubled is 4 and 4 doubled is 8

Great, our answer is 648, easy right?

Now here are some practice problems for you to have fun with.

    14          32          12           42          20

  130        243        212        732        524

9142      7314      1310      7143      6421

2102      2011      5434      6023      9331

Adding by 0, 1 & 2

2009-06-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

When it comes to learning math there are basics one must acquire in order to tackle the harder concepts. I compare it to trying to read without recognizing letters and knowing their sounds. If we ignored this basic step, we wouldn't be able to read. The basics of math consist of knowing your Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division facts. In order to really excel in math you must be very comfortable with them but don't worry because they are very easy to master.

The best way to learn your facts are through rules and circles. Most of us learn by counting but often we become dependent on counting and fail to memorize the facts. Rules and circles help with that.

Adding by 0

Zero is by far the easiest number to add by. The rule, just remember,is "anything plus zero is always the other number." No computing involved, just moving numbers.

5 + 0 = 5
0 + 9 = 9
2 + 0 = 2
0 + 7 = 7
1 + 0 = 1
0 + 8 = 8

Now you try...
3 + 0 =
0 + 6 =
4 + 0 =
0 + 5 =
9 + 0 =
0 + 2 =

Adding by 1

After zero, one is the next easiest number to add by. The rule, anytime you add by one the answer is the next highest number.

3 + 1 = 4
1 + 6 = 7
4 + 1 = 5
1 + 7 = 8
9 + 1 = 10
1 + 2 = 3

Now you try...
5 + 1 =
1 + 8 =
1 + 1 =
6 + 1 =
1 + 3 =
7 + 1 =

Adding by 2

When you want to add by two just remember all that skip counting you practiced in kindergarten. The rule quite simply is "skip one, that's the one."

4 + 2 = 6
2 + 9 = 11
6 + 2 = 8
2 + 1 = 4
8 + 2 = 10
2 + 2 = 4

Your turn...
5 + 2 =
2 + 7 =
3 + 2 =
2 + 4 =
9 + 2 =
2 + 8 =

Well, if you can remember those three rules you can add anything with those number, no matter how long.

Hi and Welcome....

2009-06-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Well, If you've happened to wander upon this page I am still in process of figuring what to do. I am planning on writing about math and techniques or games that make it fun. Hope to see you again soon. :) If you have any ideas or suggestions, please e-mail me at waiting.to.brighten@gmail.com.

NOTE: These games aren't here by accident. I put them here as they all pertain to math and I found them to be fun. Let me know what to think. I believe most of them have a full screen mode, which is easier to play in, so if you leave me, bye. :)