Mental arithmetic strategies
Partition, round-and-adjust, near doubles. Speed comes from method, not just memorisation.
11+ rewards children who can spot the cleanest method per question. Partition (78 + 25 = 70+25+8 = 103); round-and-adjust (98 + 47 = 100 + 47 - 2 = 145); double-and-shift (24 × 5 = (24 × 10)/2 = 120).
Worked examples
97 + 56: 100 + 56 = 156, −3 = 153.
49 × 6: 50 × 6 = 300, −6 = 294.
15 × 24: 15 × 25 = 375, −15 = 360.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get faster?
Daily 10-minute drills. Mix problem types so the brain selects strategies on the fly.
When NOT to use mental?
Long multiplication beyond 2-digit by 1-digit, long division — jot working.