Mental Math

[PalacioHill]

I think one of the most detrimental impacts of growing up in the computer age is that far fewer people excel at mental math or math without the use of a calculator. Thank god the CFA allows calculators. This is one area I feel I should improve in. Does anyone else feel inadequate in this area and does anyone have tips to improve mental calculation skills?

 

[bromion]

Study for the GMAT, you will be forced to improve. A job as an analyst will do the same to an extent – I rarely use a calculator (have all of the relevant fractions and CAGR rates and algorithms memorized). If it’s onerous long division or something, I’ll use the calculator, but otherwise I just punch it out mentally with appropriate rounding.

 

[bchadwick]

I’ve noticed a decline in my mental math. I was trying to divide up a restaurant bill the other day and thought “I’m sure I used to be able to do this in my head just a few years ago.”
Improving skills is mostly a matter of practice, although there’s a book “Secrets to Mental Math” (or something like that) that goes through little tricks that help with certain types of calculations.

 

[ohai]

Just wear a calculator watch. If people ask, say it’s the new cool thing.

 

[dspapo]

I agree that I’m not as quick as I once was, but I don’t see any real reason to improve. As long as I can get close enough to the answer without a calculator, I’m happy.
So, instead of improving my mental math skills, I’d rather spend my time doing something I enjoy. Of course, if you enjoy studying math tricks, then go for it.

 

[jmh530]

Mathematicians invented computers precisely because they were tired of mental math.

 

[wawa]

Take a look at the book “How to Calculate Quickly: Full Course in Speed Arithmetic” by Henry Sticker. The book will keep you busyfor a while and is better than solving Soduko for a passtime in case you have a spare moment and don’t feel like hauling up your CFA study notes instead.