Mental calculation
Mental calculation (also known as mental computation [1]) consists of arithmetical calculations using only the human brain, with no help from any supplies (such as pencil and paper) or devices such as a calculator. People may use mental calculation when computing tools are not available, when it is faster than other means of calculation (such as conventional educational institution methods), or even in a competitive context. Mental calculation often involves the use of specific techniques devised for specific types of problems. Many of these techniques take advantage of or rely on the decimal numeral system. People with unusually high ability to perform mental calculations are called mental calculators or lightning calculators.
Capacity of short-term memory is a necessary factor for the successful acquisition of a calculation, [2] specifically perhaps, the phonological loop, in the context of addition calculations (only). [3]
In a survey of children in England it was found that mental imagery was used for mental calculation. [4] By neuro-imaging brain activity in the parietal lobes of the right hemisphere was found to be associated with mental imaging.[5]
The teaching of mental calculation as an element of schooling, with a focus in some teaching contexts on mental strategies [6]
Mental Calculation World Cup
[edit]The first Mental Calculation World Cup (Mental Calculation World Cup)[7] took place in 2004. It is an in-person competition that occurs every other year in Germany. It consists of four different standard tasks --- addition of ten ten-digit numbers, multiplication of two eight-digit numbers, calculation of square roots, and calculation of weekdays for given dates --- in addition to a variety of "surprise" tasks.[7]
Memoriad – World Memory, Mental Calculation & Speed Reading Olympics
[edit]The first international Memoriad [8] was held in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2008. The second Memoriad took place in Antalya, Turkey, on 24–25 November 2012. 89 competitors from 20 countries participated. Awards and money prizes were given for 10 categories in total; of which 5 categories had to do about Mental Calculation (Mental addition, Mental Multiplication, Mental Square Roots (non-integer), Mental Calendar Dates calculation and Flash Anzan). The third Memoriad was held in Las Vegas, USA, from November 8, 2016 through November 10, 2016.
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Alistair McIntosh (2004). "Mental Computation: A strategies approach" (PDF). amsi.org.au. University of Tasmania: Department of Education. ISBN 1920865209.
- ^ Hope, John Alfred (1984). Characteristics of unskilled, skilled and highly skilled mental calculators (Thesis). University of British Columbia. doi:10.14288/1.0096641.
- ^ Noël, Marie-Pascale; Désert, Michel; Aubrun, Anne; Seron, Xavier (January 2001). "Involvement of short-term memory in complex mental calculation". Memory & Cognition. 29 (1): 34–42. doi:10.3758/BF03195738. PMID 11277462.
- ^ Chris Bills; Eddie Gray. "THE USE OF MENTAL IMAGERY IN MENTAL CALCULATION" (PDF). Education Resources Information Center. University of Warwick: Institute of Education Sciences. p. 97.
What is apparent is that these children have shown a preference for concrete or abstract visual images in both calculation and non calculation contexts.
- ^ O'Boyle, Michael W.; et al. (October 2005). "Mathematically gifted male adolescents activate a unique brain network during mental rotation". Cognitive Brain Research. 25 (2): 583–587. doi:10.1016/j.cogbrainres.2005.08.004. PMID 16150579.
- ^ Thompson, Ian (November 1999). "Mental Calculation Strategies for Addition and Subtraction. Part 1". Mathematics in School. 28 (5): 2–4. JSTOR 30215422.
- ^ a b "Mental Calculation World Cup - the World Championship for Mental Calculators". www.recordholders.org.
- ^ Memoriad - World Mental Olympics
External links
[edit]- Tzourio-Mazoyer, Nathalie; Pesenti, Mauro; Zago, Laure; Crivello, Fabrice; Mellet, Emmanuel; Samson, Dana; Duroux, Bruno; Seron, Xavier; Mazoyer, Bernard (2001). "Mental calculation in a prodigy is sustained by right prefrontal and medial temporal areas". Nature Neuroscience. 4 (1): 103–7. doi:10.1038/82831. PMID 11135652. S2CID 23829063.
- Rivera, S.M.; Reiss, AL; Eckert, MA; Menon, V (2005). "Developmental Changes in Mental Arithmetic: Evidence for Increased Functional Specialization in the Left Inferior Parietal Cortex". Cerebral Cortex. 15 (11): 1779–90. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhi055. PMID 15716474.
| Authority control databases: National |
|---|
