BEATCALC:  Beat the Calculator!

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Back to Calculation Tips & Tricks
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From the BEATCALC mailing list:
a weekly service from B. Lee Clay, archived here by the Math Forum.
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   Dividing a 2-digit number by 125

  1. Select a 2-digit number.
  2. Multiply by 8.
  3. Move the decimal point 3 places to the left.

   Example:

  1. The 2-digit number chosen to divide by 125 is 72.
  2. Multiply by 8: 8 x 72 = 560 + 16 = 576.
  3. Move the decimal point 3 places to the left: .576
  4. So 72 divided by 125 = .576.

   See the pattern?

  1. The 2-digit number chosen to divide by 125 is 42.
  2. Multiply by 8: 8 x 42 = 320 + 16 = 336.
  3. Move the decimal point 3 places to the left: .336
  4. So 42 divided by 125 = .336.

With two quick steps you can get these answers using mental math.


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24 April 2000
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