Speed Mathematics Simplified

by Edward Stoddard

This entertaining, easy-to-follow book  is ideal for anyone who works with numbers and wants to develop greater speed, ease, and accuracy in doing mathematical calculations.

In an inspiring introduction, science writer Edward Stoddard offers important suggestions for mastering an entirely new system of figuring. Without having to discard acquired information about mathematical computation, students build on the knowledge they already have, "streamline" these techniques for rapid use and then combine them with classic shortcuts.

Initially, readers learn to master a basic technique known as the Japanese "automatic" figuring method — the principle behind the abacus. This method enables users to multiply without carrying, divide with half the written work of long division, and mentally solve mathematical problems that usually require pencil and paper or a calculator. Additional chapters explain how to build speed in addition and subtraction, how to check for accuracy, master fractions, work quickly with decimals, handle percentages, and much more.

A valuable asset for people in business who work with numbers on a variety of levels, this outstanding book will also appeal to students, teachers, and anyone looking for a reliable way to improve skill and speed in doing basic arithmetic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mathematics

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 1994

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful start for speed mathematics I have look into about 10 other speed mathematics books, this one by far has the best organization. So of the stuff is in a way kind of hard to understand because of raised learning of how to do things. Example would be the multiplication (in general speed mathematics goes left to right and you keep one number in your head while either using a scrap paper to record number or the use of fingers) as with the example 2,468 X 2 the thing that was confusing was the tens place because you just focus on that as you go along so 2x2 there is no 10s so your write down 0 and remember 4 next is 2X4 which has no 10s so you write down 4 and remember 8 next is 6X2 which has a 10s so you add it to 8 and write down 9 and remember the 2 and lastly 8x2 has a 10s so we add it to 2 and write down 3 and write down the 6 so we get 04936 which in most cases seems a bit tedious but in the long run with larger numbers and practice it become easy.

[Alexis]

I know, it's a math book...ugh. This book reads suprisingly well and it is extraordinarily useful. If just one of my math teachers in any of my years of public education had been exposed to this type of mathematical reasoning, I can only imagine how my educational experience may have been altered. To be sure I am NOT a math person, but that doesn't mean that I or any of the other thousands and thousands of people who say that cannot/should not be. I am slowly arriving at the conclusiion that math in our country is simply not taught well, and perhaps more tragically is taught with an eye on efficiency rather than developing great understanding.

This book was recommended to me by another trusted homeschool mom. I have been in a sort of math funk for a few months. I thought I was unhappy with the math curriculum that I had chosen for my children, Singapore Math. So I began looking for other options and chose Horizons Math, a much more traditional math program. After using Horizons for a few days I quickly recognized the many inherent advantages in the program I had previously been using. About that time this book, Speed Mathematics Simplified, came into my life and it confirmed my suspicions that my new math curriculum would fail my children in helping them to develop a relationship with numbers that fosters understanding, not fear. Fortunately I still have Singapore Math, and I was on the right path in the first place. I am grateful for my diversion because it has contributed greatly to my confidence in curriculum selection.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now you know how I balance my checkbook and verify my credit card bills.