5 Quick Tricks for Doubles Math Worksheets

Mastering the art of mental math can significantly streamline your mathematical practice, particularly when you're dealing with doubles, or numbers that are double themselves. This skill is not only handy for quick arithmetic but also aids in a deeper understanding of number relationships and patterns. In this blog post, we're delving into five quick tricks to enhance your performance on doubles math worksheets, providing you with the tools to improve speed and accuracy in your calculations.

Trick 1: The ‘Double Plus’ Technique

The ‘Double Plus’ technique involves looking at a number, doubling it mentally, and then using that to solve problems. For example:

• If you’re asked to solve 7 + 7, you could think of it as doubling 7 to get 14.
• For 12 + 12, double 12 gives us 24 instantly.

This method works great because doubling is one of the basic operations in arithmetic, which many people find intuitive. Here are a few steps to master this trick:

1. Identify the number you want to double.
2. Double the number in your head.
3. Use that doubled value for further calculations or problem solving.

💡 Note: This technique works best with smaller numbers. For larger numbers, consider breaking the problem down into smaller parts.

Trick 2: The ‘Halving and Doubling’ Approach

This technique is particularly useful when dealing with multiplication problems involving doubles. Here’s how you can apply it:

• When multiplying a number by a doubles number (e.g., 2, 4, 8), you can halve the doubles number and double the other number.
• For instance, if you need to calculate 15 x 4, you can think of it as halving 4 to get 2, and then doubling 15 to get 30. 2 x 30 = 60.

Here’s how to use this method effectively:

1. Recognize if you’re dealing with a doubles number.
2. Halve the doubles number to simplify the multiplication.
3. Double the other number.
4. Multiply the simplified numbers for an easier calculation.

💡 Note: This technique is useful for simplifying multiplication, especially when one of the numbers is larger.

Trick 3: Using Finger Counting for Quick Doubling

Finger counting isn’t just for primary school students. Here’s how you can use your hands to quickly double numbers:

• For smaller numbers like 6 or 7, spread your fingers apart, and use your thumb to tap on the fingers representing the number you’re doubling.
• To double 7, for instance, you’d tap the 7th finger from your pinky on one hand. Your thumb would then rest on the 14th finger overall, indicating 14.

Here’s how this trick can be applied:

1. Spread your fingers apart.
2. Identify the number to double.
3. Count up to that number using one hand, then use your thumb from the other hand to tap on the finger representing the doubled value.

Trick 4: The ‘Crossover Technique’ for Addition

If you’re looking to speed up your addition of doubles, consider this simple crossover trick:

• Imagine 8 + 8. Instead of thinking of it as doubling 8, think of it as doubling 7 (14) and then adding 2 (one from each 8), resulting in 16.
• For 6 + 6, you can see it as doubling 5 (10) and adding 2, giving you 12.

Here’s how to apply this technique:

1. Choose a number close to the one you’re doubling that is easier to work with.
2. Double this easier number.
3. Add the difference between the original and the chosen number to the doubled value.

💡 Note: This method is particularly helpful when working with numbers just above or below a round number.

Trick 5: Visualization for Doubling Odd Numbers

Doubling odd numbers can be a bit trickier since the result is always even. Here’s a visualization trick:

• If you’re doubling 5, you could imagine a grid of 5 by 5 (25 squares). Now, move diagonally to make a rectangle, which would be 5 by 5 + 5 = 10. Half of that diagonal line is one unit, adding one to get 11 for the doubled value.

Here’s how to visualize and calculate:

1. Imagine a square or grid of the number you’re doubling.
2. Move diagonally to form a rectangle.
3. Add one unit to the diagonal’s half for the final doubled value.

In summary, mastering doubles in math can be made much simpler and quicker by using the right techniques. Whether you're employing the 'Double Plus' technique for immediate doubling, or visualizing odd numbers in a grid to find their double, these methods can greatly enhance your arithmetic speed and accuracy. These tricks leverage mental math skills, making mathematical practice not only efficient but also enjoyable. With practice, you'll find that handling doubles in any math worksheet becomes second nature, boosting your confidence in tackling more complex problems.

Why is it beneficial to practice mental math tricks?

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Mental math practices, like those for doubles, enhance cognitive functions, speed up daily arithmetic tasks, and increase overall confidence in handling numbers. It also makes learning and solving math problems more engaging and less daunting.

Can these tricks be used with other numbers?

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Some tricks, like the ‘Halving and Doubling’ approach or the ‘Crossover Technique’, can be adapted for use with other numbers, but they are most effective when dealing with doubles or near-doubles numbers.

How often should one practice these mental math tricks?

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For optimal benefit, practice these tricks daily or at least several times a week. Regular practice will help solidify the mental pathways for quick calculations and improve your mathematical intuition.