I think one of the most detrimental impacts of growing up in the computer age is that far fewer people excel at mental math or math without the use of a calculator. Thank god the CFA allows calculators. This is one area I feel I should improve in. Does anyone else feel inadequate in this area and does anyone have tips to improve mental calculation skills?
Study for the GMAT, you will be forced to improve. A job as an analyst will do the same to an extent – I rarely use a calculator (have all of the relevant fractions and CAGR rates and algorithms memorized). If it’s onerous long division or something, I’ll use the calculator, but otherwise I just punch it out mentally with appropriate rounding.
I’ve noticed a decline in my mental math. I was trying to divide up a restaurant bill the other day and thought “I’m sure I used to be able to do this in my head just a few years ago.”
Improving skills is mostly a matter of practice, although there’s a book “Secrets to Mental Math” (or something like that) that goes through little tricks that help with certain types of calculations.
Just wear a calculator watch. If people ask, say it’s the new cool thing.
I agree that I’m not as quick as I once was, but I don’t see any real reason to improve. As long as I can get close enough to the answer without a calculator, I’m happy.
So, instead of improving my mental math skills, I’d rather spend my time doing something I enjoy. Of course, if you enjoy studying math tricks, then go for it.
Mathematicians invented computers precisely because they were tired of mental math.
Take a look at the book “How to Calculate Quickly: Full Course in Speed Arithmetic” by Henry Sticker. The book will keep you busyfor a while and is better than solving Soduko for a passtime in case you have a spare moment and don’t feel like hauling up your CFA study notes instead.