At 06:28 PM 7/27/2012, Trent W. Buck wrote:
I *still* can't remember 6 or 8 times tables, because when they tried to teach them to me, I said "this is stupid. Just use 3s or 2s" -- i.e. prime factorization.
This turned out to be a poor optimization, since now when I am e.g. in the supermarket trying to do division in my head, I quickly blow my 7±2 stack (which is definitely on the -2 side)...
Times tables were easy. They're ordered, and I could use recognition tricks to make sure I recalled the right values. Now, I use similar tricks to speed up rough mental arithmetic, good for working out ballpark figures (which are often surprisingly accurate!). I've been able to make Canadians believe we use Farenheit down here, because they heard me quoting temperatures in Farenheit to Americans (converted in my head in real time), and I then had to tell them no need to convert for me, I was doing it for the Americans! :D It definitely pays to know your strengths and find ways to use them. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com