Secrets of Mental Math

Recently I chanced upon a book “ Secrets of Mental Math” by Arthur Benjamin. Arthur Benjamin is a mathemagician who combines maths and magic in his shows to entertain the audience. There are few videos of him on youtube and TED.

Of late, many children are being trained in Abacus method of fast computations. Children thus trained will be able to do calculations faster. Reactions to this method and outcomes are mixed, from parents.(This observation is from my interaction with limited number of parents in my circle). As I was not very comfortable/carried away by the concept, I did not opt for this for my children.

But I had a feeling that the ability to calculate can be inculcated and improved. I found this book as a pleasant surprise in that direction.

In the book the author explains how calculations can be made faster with the help of simple ways. The method is in line with theory a child learns in school. So this helps understanding.

This can be read by a 5^th grader with the help of an elder.

This is a good exercise between a parent and child and clears some basic mathematics concepts to both.

A useful book.