10 Simple Math Tricks for Kids to Make Numbers Easy and Fun

Mathematics can often feel like a daunting subject for kids, with numbers, operations, and formulas seeming like a foreign language. But it doesn’t have to be that way. WuKong Education is here to change the way kids view math by introducing 10 simple yet effective math tricks. The purpose is to provide practical tools that make math easier to understand, more enjoyable, and less stressful. By using these tricks, kids can build confidence in their math skills, improve their performance in school, and even start to look forward to math problems. Parents and teachers will benefit too, as they’ll have new ways to support kids’ learning and help them overcome math-related challenges.

Why Math Tricks for Kids Are a Game-Changer for Kids

Beating Math Anxiety

Math anxiety is a real and common issue among kids. It’s that feeling of stress or fear that arises when faced with math problems, which can hinder their ability to learn and perform. According to research from the U.S. Department of Education, math anxiety can lead to lower achievement and a dislike for the subject that persists into adulthood. But math tricks for kids can be a powerful weapon against this anxiety. When kids learn a trick that helps them solve a problem they once struggled with, it’s a huge confidence boost. A third-grader who always got stuck on multiplication tables might suddenly light up when they realize there’s a simple pattern to remember the 9s multiplication. That small win can reduce their fear and make them more willing to tackle other math problems.

Making Math Feel Like Play

Let’s face it, math can sometimes feel like a chore. But tricks have a way of turning it into a game or a puzzle. When kids see math as something fun to figure out, they’re more engaged and motivated to learn. This shift in perspective is crucial for long-term success in the subject. Supplemental learning platforms such as WuKong Math understand this and excel at integrating such tricks into interactive games. This makes learning feel more like play, which keeps kids coming back for more and helps them retain what they’ve learned.

10 Must-Know Math Tricks for Kids

1. Adding Big Numbers in a Snap

Adding large numbers can be intimidating, but this trick simplifies the process. The idea is to round the numbers up to the nearest ten, hundred, or thousand, add them, and then subtract the extra that was added during rounding.

Example: Let’s say we need to add 58 and 37. First, round 58 up to 60 (that’s adding 2) and 37 up to 40 (that’s adding 3). Now, add 60 and 40, which equals 100. Then, subtract the total extra we added (2 + 3 = 5). So, 100 – 5 = 95. That’s the answer!
This trick works well with everyday items that it makes the addition process quicker and less error-prone.

2. Mastering 9s Multiplication Without Memorization

The 9s multiplication table can be tricky, but this trick makes it a breeze. For any number N multiplied by 9, the tens digit of the answer is N – 1, and the sum of the tens and ones digits is 9.

Example: Let’s take 9 x 6. The tens digit is 6 – 1 = 5. Then, since the two digits add up to 9, the ones digit is 9 – 5 = 4. So, 9 x 6 = 54.
To practice, use your fingers. Hold up both hands, and fold down the 6th finger (counting from the left). The number of fingers to the left of the folded finger is the tens digit (5), and the number to the right is the ones digit (4). It’s a visual and hands-on way to remember.

3. Subtracting From 1000? It’s Easier Than You Think

Subtracting a number from 1000 can be done quickly with this trick. Subtract each digit of the number from 9, except for the last digit, which you subtract from 10.

Example: Let’s calculate 1000 – 283. For the first digit (2), 9 – 2 = 7. For the second digit (8), 9 – 8 = 1. For the last digit (3), 10 – 3 = 7. So, putting it all together, the answer is 717.
This trick works because 1000 is 999 + 1. By subtracting each digit from 9, you’re essentially using the 999, and then adding the 1 to the last digit subtraction (which is why it’s 10 instead of 9).

4. Multiplying by 11 in Seconds

Multiplying a two-digit number by 11 is easy with this trick. Simply split the two digits, add them together, and place the sum in the middle.
Example: Take 43 x 11. Split the digits into 4 and 3. Add them: 4 + 3 = 7. Place 7 in the middle, so you get 473. That’s the answer!
If the sum of the two digits is 10 or more, you need to carry over. For example, 76 x 11. Split into 7 and 6. Add them: 7 + 6 = 13. Place the 3 in the middle and carry the 1 over to the first digit. So, 7 becomes 8, and the result is 836.

5. Quick Checks for Divisibility

Knowing if a number is divisible by another number can save time, especially when simplifying fractions or solving problems. Here are some quick checks.

• By 2: If the number ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, it’s divisible by 2. For example, 148 ends in 8, so it’s divisible by 2.
• By 5: If the number ends in 0 or 5, it’s divisible by 5. For example, 345 ends in 5, so it’s divisible by 5.
• By 3: If the sum of its digits is divisible by 3, then the number is divisible by 3. For example, 216: 2 + 1 + 6 = 9, and 9 is divisible by 3, so 216 is too.
  These checks are handy for kids when they’re working on homework or taking tests, as they can quickly determine if a division problem will result in a whole number.

6. Percentages Made Simple

Percentages can confuse kids, but this trick makes them easier. The key is to remember that finding a percentage of a number is the same as finding that number percentage of the percentage. In other words, flipping the numbers.
Example: 20% of 50 is the same as 50% of 20. 50% of 20 is 10, so 20% of 50 is also 10. This is great for real-life situations. When calculating toy discounts or figuring out how many pizza slices each person gets (as a percentage of the whole), this trick simplifies the process.

7.Adding Fractions with the Same Denominator

Adding fractions with the same denominator is straightforward with this trick. Just add the numerators (the top numbers) and keep the denominator (the bottom number) the same.
Example: 2/5 + 1/5. Add the numerators: 2 + 1 = 3. The denominator stays 5, so the answer is 3/5. The same logic applies to subtraction. For 4/6 – 1/6, subtract the numerators: 4 – 1 = 3. The denominator remains 6, so you get 3/6, which simplifies to 1/2. This helps kids understand that when the denominators are the same, the parts are the same size, making addition and subtraction easy.

8. Multiplying by 5? Use This Even/Odd Hack

Multiplying by 5 can be done quickly by using different methods for even and odd numbers.

• For even numbers: Divide the number by 2, then multiply by 10.
  Example: 12 x 5. 12 is even, so divide by 2: 12 ÷ 2 = 6. Then multiply by 10: 6 x 10 = 60. So, 12 x 5 = 60.
• For odd numbers: Subtract 1 to make it even, divide by 2, multiply by 10, then add 5.
  Example: 13 x 5. 13 is odd, so subtract 1: 13 – 1 = 12. Divide by 2: 12 ÷ 2 = 6. Multiply by 10: 6 x 10 = 60. Add 5: 60 + 5 = 65. So, 13 x 5 = 65.
  This trick works because 5 is half of 10, so by adjusting the number to be even if needed and using multiplication by 10, we simplify the process.

9. Squaring Numbers Ending in 5

Squaring a number that ends in 5 is simple with this trick. Multiply the first part of the number (the part before the 5) by itself plus 1, then add “25” at the end.
Example: Let’s square 65. The first part is 6. Multiply 6 by (6 + 1) = 6 x 7 = 42. Then add 25 at the end, so 65² = 4225.
Another example: 35². The first part is 3. 3 x (3 + 1) = 3 x 4 = 12. Add 25, so 35² = 1225. This trick works because of the algebraic formula (10a + 5)² = 100a(a + 1) + 25, which simplifies the squaring process.

10. Fahrenheit to Celsius and Back

Converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius is a useful skill, especially when traveling or learning about weather. Here are some simple tricks:

• Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, multiply by 5, then divide by 9. Let’s convert 95°F to Celsius. 95 – 32 = 63. 63 x 5 = 315. 315 ÷ 9 = 35°C.
• Celsius to Fahrenheit (quick estimate): Multiply the Celsius temperature by 2, then add 30. Converting 10°C to Fahrenheit. 10 x 2 = 20. 20 + 30 = 50°F. The actual conversion is 50°F, so this estimate is close.
  These tricks make temperature conversion easy to do in your head, without needing a calculator.

How to Practice Math Tricks for Kids

Turn It Into a Daily Game

Practice doesn’t have to be boring. Turn math trick practice into a daily game using flashcards, car rides, or apps. During a car ride, you can quiz your kid with addition or multiplication problems using the tricks. Flashcards with problems on one side and the trick explanation on the other can be used at home.

Link Tricks to Real Life

One of the best ways to reinforce math tricks for kids is to link them to real-life situations. This helps kids see the practical value of what they’re learning. When grocery shopping, practice percentage tricks by calculating the discount on a toy or a snack. When baking, use multiplication tricks to double a recipe. When telling time or talking about the weather, use temperature conversion tricks. By connecting the tricks to everyday experiences, kids will remember them better and be more likely to use them.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Learning new math tricks takes time and practice, so it’s important to celebrate progress, no matter how small. When a kid successfully uses a trick to solve a problem, cheer them on. Positive feedback makes them feel good about their accomplishment and eager to learn more. Don’t get frustrated if they make mistakes. Instead, help them figure out where they went wrong and encourage them to try again.

When to Start Teaching Math Tricks for Kids

The right time to start teaching math tricks depends on the kid’s developmental stage and math skills. Generally, it’s a good idea to begin with the basics, such as addition and the 9s multiplication trick, around ages 6–8. This is when kids are learning foundational math skills in school, and the tricks can support and enhance that learning.
As they grow older and their math skills advance, introduce more complex tricks, such as those for fractions, percentages, and squaring numbers. Programs like WuKong Math align these tricks with school curricula, ensuring that they complement what kids are learning in the classroom.

Conclusion

With these 10 simple math tricks for kids, learning math can become easier, more enjoyable, and even fun. These tricks help beat math anxiety, make math feel like play, and build confidence in kids’ abilities. Remember, the goal is to help kids develop a positive attitude toward math that will serve them well throughout their school years and beyond.

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