Math Is Easy

Do you know what results from 19 x 18?
Ah-hah! We know your immediate impulse is to reach for that pocket calculator or that calculator function on your mobile phone. Tell you what, let’s just skip the shortcuts for now. Believe it or not, once you begin to know there are quick strategies for solving factors 1-20 in your head, you will know what we’re talking about.

So, to solve this quick, form a

19

x 18

___

on your head, like we did at grade school. Always remember the top number 19. Add that with the “ones” digit of the second factor, which is 8, so

19 + 8 = 27

Multiply the result by 10, or just add a zero to it (270).

Now, take the “ones” digits from both factors. In this case, “9″ from above and “8″ from below. Multiply these numbers, like so:

9 x 8 = 72

Finally, add the previous result which you multiplied by 10, and the latest product:

270 + 72 = 342

Voila! Your answer is 342. Want to check it out?

19

x 18

342

The advancement and perfection of Mathematics are intimately connected with the prosperity of the state.

- Napoleon Bonaparte