Mental math refers to the practice of doing calculations in your head.

It is often used as a way to calculate an estimate quickly through the use of math facts that have been committed to memory such as multiplication division or doubles facts. Students who practice mental math make calculations in their minds without the guidance of pencil and paperwork calculators or other aids.

A Good Life Skill
Mental math is an extremely common and practical skill and most people do at least some mental math on a daily basis. Without the ability to do mental math it can be difficult to complete ordinary daily tasks.

Students who master the technique of mental math will find that it helps them in many situations both in school and outside of the classroom. They may use mental math to calculate how many video games they can buy with their weekly allowance or tally how much the snacks they grabbed from the corner store will cost before they walk up to the register.

In their studies knowing mental math methods can help make new concepts easier to learn. Having even basic mental math skills means the student does not have to stop the process of problem-solving to use a calculator which is very useful when taking tests or completing homework assignments.

For teenagers and adults mental math skills make it possible to calculate the price of sale items know how big of a tip to leave or how to split a bill when a large party dines out.