Multipop
Mental math practice for every age
Mental math is a skill like any other: a few minutes a day makes it faster. Here are the tricks that help most, and a game to practise them.
Why mental math matters
Being quick with numbers helps with school, shopping, cooking and work. Most of it comes down to knowing the basic facts by heart, so the brain can spend its effort on the bigger problem.
Practice that sticks
Short daily sessions work better than long ones. Mix the operations, revisit the facts you get wrong, and add a clock once the answers come easily. That is exactly how Multipop builds each round.
Mental math tricks to try
- Multiply by 5: multiply by 10 and halve it. 5 × 18 = 180 ÷ 2 = 90.
- Multiply by 9: multiply by 10 and take one away. 9 × 7 = 70 - 7 = 63.
- Multiply by 11 (two digits): add the digits and put the sum in the middle. 11 × 23 = 2 (5) 3 = 253.
- Add 9: add 10 and take one away. 46 + 9 = 56 - 1 = 55.
- Double and halve: 4 × 35 is the same as 2 × 70 = 140.
Questions from parents
How can I get faster at mental math?
Practise a few minutes every day, learn the times tables by heart, and use tricks like the ones above. Timed rounds help once the basics are solid.
Is mental math practice only for kids?
No. Multipop has steps for every age, from counting for the youngest to tables up to 20 × 20 and timed rounds for teens and adults.
What should I practise first?
The times tables up to 12 and adding and taking away within 100. Almost every other trick builds on them.
Can I compare with others?
Yes. In Multipop each day has world ranks by age group, with flags for every country.
Train your mental math daily
Speedy rounds, a Daily Challenge and steps that keep going as you improve, on iPhone.