My first day

Today I have started blogging. I intend to blog every other day but there are other variables I might have to take into consideration. I wanted to share some simple maths before we get to the juicy stuff. Take basic mathematics. You have two positive integers (whole numbers that are bigger than 0) and add, subtract, multiply or divide one by the other. These can range from 1+1 to 4096/64.(by the way, 4096/64 is the same as the square root of 4096)(as in 64). I have always respected basic mathematics because they are the foundation of all maths, which is the foundation of physics, which is the base for everything in the universe as we know it. Theoretically, the entire universe could be portrayed as a massive multitude of sums. Maybe. There are many ways to do basic addition, from counting on your fingers to complex eight digit column addition, and the all revered form of doing twelve digit addition mentally. I am probably best in my year at maths and according to the junior maths challenge last year I am one of the best in my year, the year above and the year above that(all of the people who competed), and I can only do the first two. I have heard rumours of a man, around 30-40 years of age who can do the latter, but only mere rumours. I hope to be such a person of mathematical prowess, and, if possible, guide many others to the same level of skill. I don't mean to come across as arrogant or cocky though, so sorry if I did, but I have a strict policy, as in conversation, don't go back and change the past; I said it, if I didn't want to say it then I should have thought about it beforehand.

      Anyway, enough about me, let's get on with the format of this blog. So most (if not all) of you will know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, but not so many will know the little tips and tricks that can help you so much in an exam or classroom. First of all, if you see a big number, or sum, don't lose your cool. Stay calm. As with all things, if you divide it into small tasks then it won't be as difficult. I'm pretty sure I just adapted a quote from someone, though I'd have to Google it to check. Take any sum, and work out how to do it in chunks. Like addition, don't try to do it in a line, just use column addition, sure, on smaller sums it can take longer but in an exam hall, where stress and tension levels are high, it can slow the process down enough to work out how it all fits together. Remember, no test is too difficult, your brain just makes it seem so. I'm pretty sure that was original, but it may not have been. Whatever. Anyway, with addition and subtraction it's easy to just use column, but what about multiplication. Well, maybe you've heard of a little known technique known as grid method. Less and less schools use it nowadays because of the new-fangled "column technique" but it works just as well if not better. just look at how this:

 

Becomes this:

See, not so complex after all. Just do it a little neater than this or your examiner won't be able to mark it. Anyway, that was the first part of my blog. I hope you enjoyed it and found it useful and/or amusing. Please comment in the box below to help me improve for next time on Monday the 25th of November.