| So you think you can't do math in your head, | | | | your children. This tool will give them the ability to |
| huh? Well, it all depends on how you do such | | | | multiply what I call any two "teenage numbers." |
| math. After all, if given the right tools to do a job, | | | | Teenage numbers are simply the numbers from |
| then the job comes out right often enough. So | | | | 13-19--teenagers. (The method also works if we |
| why fret over the small stuff? Too often | | | | include 11 and 12, but for these poor souls the |
| mathematics is made out to be some mysterious | | | | name of the method doesn't apply as they are |
| subject, only to be mastered by an esoteric | | | | "pre-teens." The method I present here is actually |
| group of like-minded nerds who co-habitate in | | | | a default case of the 2 by 2 Cross Multiplication |
| some forsaken land. Well, that's not the case and | | | | Technique which I teach in my Wiz Kid series. For |
| one of the things I'm fond of doing is debunking | | | | more information on this go to my website and |
| this oft-held yet misguided notion. | | | | contact me directly.) |
| Number theory is a branch of mathematics which | | | | At any rate, the way to obtain the product from |
| treats of numbers and the various properties that | | | | multiplying any two "teenage numbers" is as |
| come out of working with these most interesting | | | | follows, in which we use 13 x 15 as the model: |
| mathematical entities. All mathematics has its | | | | Add the two digits in the ones columns of the |
| roots in numbers, for without a start in the | | | | numbers. Thus 3 + 5 = 8. Add this to 10 and add |
| domain of these "creatures," mathematics would | | | | a 0 to the result. Thus 10 + 8 = 18, and 18 with a |
| never build and ramify into its many distinct | | | | 0 added to the end of it is 180. Multiply the digits |
| branches. Indeed just the knowledge and in-depth | | | | in the ones column from the two numbers and |
| understanding of those curious numbers we call | | | | add the result to the previous step. You now |
| primes form the linchpin of internet security and | | | | have your answer. Thus 3 x 5 = 15 and 180 + 15 |
| moreover internet commerce. Yes, that's right. | | | | = 195. That's it. With a little practice you can beat |
| Without a knowledge of prime numbers (the | | | | the calculator every time. Guaranteed. |
| primes, by the way, are numbers which are only | | | | Let's try one more and you be the judge. Take |
| divisible by the number 1 and the number itself; | | | | 14 x 18. Now 4 + 8 = 12; 12 + 10 = 22 and 22 |
| thus 3 and 5 are primes because they can only | | | | with a 0 at the end is 220; 8 x 4 = 32 and 220 + |
| be divided evenly by 1 and themselves), secure | | | | 32 = 252. Presto! Imagine how your children's |
| internet transactions would not be possible. | | | | teachers will react when your eight and nine year |
| Thus understanding numbers and how to work | | | | olds are doing this in math class. I think the |
| with them via arithmetical operations form the | | | | method speaks for itself. Till next time, happy |
| foundations for all of mathematics. In this article, I | | | | multiplying. |
| want to give you a tool that you can pass to | | | | |