When I ask you to give me the answer to a mathematical problem what is happening in your head?

Question

Describe to me what's happening in your head when I say:
2+5
5+7
8-3
6 times 7
4 divided by 7
Close your eyes if it helps.

Trogwolf this isn't homework.

Answer 1

For the two addition problems, the subtraction, and the multiplication, I immediately recall the result for each problem, because I have memorized all addition, subtraction, and multiplication results for one-digit numbers. For 4 divided by 7, I simply visualize the fraction 4/7. I don't attempt to calculate it.

Answer 2

2+ 5 is automatic for me, I just immediately think 7.

5+7, first I think 7+3 = 10, then 10+2 = 12.

8-3, I think i first think that 5+3 = 8, so 8-3 is 5.

6*7 is automatic, it's 42. I used to have trouble with this one, so I would think 7*7 = 49, then subtract 7 to get 42. Now it's automatic.

Well... i'd do the long division in my head. 7 goes into 40 5 times, with a remainder of 5. 7 goes into 50 7 times with a remainder of 1. 7 goes into 10 1 time with a remainder of 3. 7 goes into 30 4 times with a remainder of 2. 7 goes into 20 2 times with a remainder of 6. 7 goes into 60 8 times with a remainder of 4, now it will repeat. So it's .571428571328571428...

Answer 3

for addition and subtraction I kind of have this feel for how numbers fit together to make neat groups of ten.

for 5+7 my mind would go "well it's bigger than ten because 5+5 is ten and 7 is bigger than 5. 7 is 2 bigger than 5 therefore 5+7 is 12"

For 6*7 I'll usually split it up into easier numbers to multiply. 6*7=? But I know 7*3 is 21, so 7*3*2 is 42.

Answer 4

Hi,

I actually picture the problem that is posted, for example, with 2+5, I picture the numbers as if I'm writing it out on paper, then find the best way to explain the way that I do it. The same with the multiplication, and division.

Hope that helps,
Matt

Answer 5

2+5
I visualize the numbers in a line, with the least stressed at the left and the most at the right. I look at 2 and feel a little stress, I look at 5 and feel more, I add the two stresses and interpret the resulting stress as 7.

Answer 6

What is happening in my head? Im thinking why you are asking this question !! Are you expecting us to start calculating? :)
Obviously everyone knows these simple calculations ! Can you answer this:
(4x - 32)/ 5x = (9+26x)/50 ???

Answer 7

what is happening in my head is that I want to know why all of you people are trying to get a bunch of strangers to do your homework for you.

Doesn't anyone talk to their teachers any more? I bet the teacher would be thrilled to have a student actually ask them to explain a problem.

Answer 8

I'm tuning you out.