The Power of Repetition to Improve Mental Math

Repetitive practice of math concepts improves mental math in a number of ways:

1. Enhanced Recall: Regular practice reinforces neural connections associated with mathematical concepts, making it easier for individuals to recall information quickly and accurately. For example, practicing times tables regularly helps individuals memorize the multiplication facts, allowing them to recall them effortlessly 
2. Increased Speed: Continuous practice leads to increased speed in mental calculations. For instance, practicing addition and subtraction helps you add and subtract numbers more quickly.
3. Improved Accuracy: Practicing regularly helps you make fewer mistakes in mental math. As you keep practicing, you get better at understanding how numbers work together. For example, practicing long division helps you divide numbers accurately without relying on written methods.
4. Development of Mental Strategies: Regular practice encourages individuals to develop and refine mental strategies for solving math problems. As individuals encounter various types of problems repeatedly, they learn to identify patterns and develop efficient mental techniques for solving them. For example, practicing rounding numbers helps you quickly estimate answers in your head.
5. Automaticity: When you practice the same math concepts regularly, you get so good at mental math that you don’t even have to think about it. It becomes automatic. For example, with regular practice, you can add or subtract numbers quickly without having to count in your head.