Easy Maths Tricks with Step by Step Methods and Examples
The concept of Maths Tricks plays a key role in mathematics and is widely applicable to both real-life situations and exam scenarios. Learning handy shortcuts and clever mental math techniques can boost your calculation speed, accuracy, and confidence — whether you're solving sums at school, preparing for competitive exams, or doing quick calculations in daily life.
What Is Maths Tricks?
A Maths Trick is a simple shortcut or method that helps you perform mathematical calculations faster and more easily. You’ll find this concept applied in areas such as mental math, quick multiplication and division, and fast solving of arithmetic or algebraic questions. These tricks often break complex processes into easy, memorable steps.
Why Learn Maths Tricks?
Here are some great reasons to master Maths Tricks:
- Save valuable time during school tests and competitive exams.
- Increase calculation accuracy while minimizing silly mistakes.
- Build confidence with mental math and number sense.
- Make math learning fun and engaging for kids and adults alike.
- Develop logical thinking and flexible approaches to problem solving.
Basic Maths Tricks for Quick Calculations
Let’s look at a few core maths tricks that anyone can learn and use:
| Trick Name | How It Works (Example) |
|---|---|
| Multiplying by 11 | 23 × 11: Add the digits (2+3=5), place between them. 253 |
| Squaring Numbers Ending in 5 | 65 × 65: (6×7)=42, so answer is 4225 |
| Fast Addition | Instead of adding 49+38, do 49+1=50, 38-1=37, so 50+37=87 |
| Multiplying Close to 100 | 96×98: (100-96=4)(100-98=2), 96-2=94; 4×2=8; answer is 9408 |
Popular Vedic Maths Tricks
Vedic Maths Tricks are ancient Indian calculation shortcuts that simplify even tough sums. Here are two commonly used Vedic strategies:
- Vertically and Crosswise Multiplication: Multiply large numbers by splitting into parts and combining stepwise. Great for multiplying two- and three-digit numbers.
- All from 9 and the Last from 10: For easy subtraction from 10, 100, 1000, subtract each digit from 9 except the last (from 10).
Example: 1000 - 264 = (9-2)(9-6)(10-4) = 7 3 6 (Answer: 736)
Step-by-Step Illustration
- Multiply 27 × 11:
Step 1: Add the digits: 2+7=9Step 2: Place 9 between 2 and 7: 297Final Answer: 297
Speed Trick or Vedic Shortcut
Here’s a quick shortcut for multiplying two numbers near 100. Many students use this trick during timed exams:
Example Trick: Multiply 97 × 96
- Subtract each from 100:
100-97=3, 100-96=4 - Cross-subtract: 97-4=93 or 96-3=93
- Multiply the differences: 3×4=12
- Final Answer: 9312
Such maths tricks are fun, helpful, and make you stand out in exams or quizzes.
Tricks for Squares, Cubes, and Roots
| Type | Shortcut | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Square of numbers ending in 5 | (n × (n+1)) then put 25 | 85 × 85 = 8×9=72 ⇒ 7225 |
| Cube of single digit | Multiply number by itself twice | 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 |
| Square Roots (Estimate) | Find closest square then adjust | √50 ≈ 7 as 7²=49, close to 50 |
Try These Yourself
- Try 54 × 11 using the trick above!
- Square 75 using the “ending in 5” shortcut.
- Use the Vedic crosswise method for 34 × 32.
- Estimate √82 quickly without a calculator.
Frequent Errors and Misunderstandings
- Missing a step in tricks, especially when combining digits.
- Mixing up methods (Vedic vs. standard multiplication).
- Applying a shortcut when regular calculation is faster.
Relation to Other Concepts
The idea of Maths Tricks connects closely with Multiplication Tricks, Square Roots, Order of Operations, and logical reasoning. Building speed here helps you tackle algebra, equations, and higher math confidently.
Classroom Tip
A quick way to remember many maths tricks is to look for repeating patterns, use your finger for place value, or “make a round number” by adjusting pairs. Vedantu’s teachers often show these visual cues in live classes for engaging learning.
We explored Maths Tricks—from definition, value, Vedic and basic shortcuts, stepwise examples, and links to other maths topics. Keep practicing and exploring more tricks on Vedantu to boost your maths speed and ace exams with confidence.
Explore related topics and tools for more quick learning:
FAQs on Maths Tricks for Faster Calculation and Concept Clarity
1. What are maths tricks?
Maths tricks are shortcuts and mental strategies that help you solve mathematical problems faster and more easily. They are commonly used in mental maths, competitive exams, and quick calculations.
- They reduce lengthy calculations.
- They improve speed and accuracy.
- They are based on patterns, properties, and number relationships.
- Example: Using 9 × n = 10n − n to multiply quickly.
2. How can I multiply numbers quickly using a maths trick?
You can multiply quickly by using the base method when numbers are close to 10, 100, or 1000. For example, to calculate 98 × 97:
- Both are close to 100.
- 98 = 100 − 2 and 97 = 100 − 3.
- Subtract crosswise: 98 − 3 = 95.
- Multiply deficits: 2 × 3 = 6.
- Final answer = 9506.
3. What is the fastest way to square a number ending in 5?
The square of any number ending in 5 follows the formula (n × (n + 1)) followed by 25, where n is the number before 5. For example, to find 35²:
- Take n = 3.
- Compute 3 × 4 = 12.
- Attach 25 → 1225.
4. How do you divide a number by 5 quickly?
To divide a number by 5 quickly, multiply it by 2 and then divide by 10. For example, to calculate 340 ÷ 5:
- Multiply: 340 × 2 = 680.
- Divide by 10: 680 ÷ 10 = 68.
5. What is the trick to multiply any number by 9?
To multiply a number by 9, use the formula 9n = 10n − n. For example, to calculate 9 × 7:
- 10 × 7 = 70.
- 70 − 7 = 63.
6. How can I check my calculation quickly in maths?
You can check calculations quickly using the casting out nines method. This method verifies arithmetic operations using digital sums.
- Add digits of each number until a single digit remains.
- Perform the same operation on these reduced digits.
- If both sides match, the answer is likely correct.
7. What is the trick to add large numbers faster?
To add large numbers faster, use the grouping and rounding method. Adjust numbers to form easy sums.
- Example: 398 + 247.
- Round 398 to 400 (add 2).
- 400 + 247 = 647.
- Subtract 2 → 645.
8. Is there a trick to find percentages quickly?
Yes, percentages can be calculated quickly by using fraction equivalents and scaling. For example:
- 10% of a number = divide by 10.
- 5% = half of 10%.
- 1% = divide by 100.
- 10% of 200 = 20.
- 5% of 200 = 10.
- Total = 30.
9. What is a quick trick to find the average of numbers?
The average of numbers is calculated using the formula Average = (Sum of values) ÷ (Number of values). For quick calculation:
- If numbers are evenly spaced, the average is the middle number.
- Example: Average of 4, 6, 8.
- Middle number = 6.
10. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using maths tricks?
Common mistakes when using maths tricks include misapplying formulas or ignoring place value. To avoid errors:
- Always check if the trick applies to that type of problem.
- Be careful with signs (positive/negative numbers).
- Verify answers using estimation.
- Practice regularly to improve accuracy.
