Using an imaginary abacus may be the fastest way to do mental calculations, as it allows the brain to remember each column rather than the entire process. In countries like Japan, India, and China, children learn to solve calculations mentally with imaginary abacuses. Children who can solve math problems with memory perform better on standardized tests. Even babies as young as 18 months may be able to do mental math.
The fastest way to do mental calculations may be to use the brain’s visual processes to imagine an abacus. An abacus is a calculating tool with columns and beads that are used to solve the steps of an arithmetic problem. Mathematics is typically taught similar to how language is taught, with students interpreting numbers and symbols. The brain’s working memory is usually limited to three or four items at a time, making it difficult to keep track of all the steps using the brain’s traditional verbal process. An imaginary abacus is thought to be faster because the brain simply has to remember each column of the abacus rather than the entire process.
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In countries like Japan, India and China, children enroll in programs that strictly focus on learning how to solve calculations mentally with imaginary abacuses.
Children who are easier to solve math problems with memory are more likely to perform better on standardized tests.
Babies as young as 18 months may be able to do mental math. Research has shown that children show a preference for videos that show correct counting over those that feature incorrect math.
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