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- or 3-digit number by 3 1/3

  1. Select a 2- or 3-digit number.
  2. Multiply by 3.
  3. Move the decimal point one place to the left.

   Example:

  1. The 2-digit number chosen to divide by 3 1/3 is 72.
  2. Multiply by 3: 72 x 3 = 216
  3. Move the decimal point one place to the left: 21.6
  4. So 72 divided by 3 1/3 = 21.6.

   See the pattern?

  1. The 2-digit number chosen to divide by 3 1/3 is 48.
  2. Multiply by 3: 48 x 3 = 120 + 24 = 144
  3. Move the decimal point one place to the left: 14.4
  4. So 48 divided by 3 1/3 = 14.4.

After practicing, choose larger numbers. Insist on exact answers (you won't get an exact answer if you divide by 3.3 using a calculator). Multiply from left to right in steps and impress your friends with your mental powers.


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12 January 1998
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