Human Calculators - Addition
Human Calculators - Addition
ADDITION
Working hard doesn’t matter it is all in how you work smarter. Among the all basic
operations addition is supposed to be easiest operation. Most of the people know how
to do addition, but how to do in smarter way they don’t know. Here are the various
methods which will help to do fast additions physically with paper & pen and
mentally that saves time, energy and gives accuracy.
a b
+ 9 .
(a + 1) / (b – 1)
Method:–
When you add 9 to any number, digit at ten’s place increases by 1 and digit at unit’s
place decreases by 1. In above example,
a = digit at ten’s place,
b = digit at unit’s place.
When we add 9 to above number a b
▪ a becomes a + 1 and
▪ b becomes b – 1.
Solved Examples:–
A. 5 4
+9
63 (3 = 4 – 1)
(6 = 5 + 1)
Method:–
Here, when you add 9 to 54, digit at ten’s place (5) increases by 1 (i.e. 5 + 1 = 6) and
digit at unit’s place (4) decreases by 1 (i.e. 4 – 1 = 3) and hence the solution is 63.
B. 7 6
+9
85 (5 = 6 – 1)
(8 = 7 + 1)
Method:–
Here when you add 9 to 76, digit at ten’s place (7) increases by 1 (i.e. 7 + 1 = 8) and
digit at unit’s place (6) decreases by 1 (i.e. 6 – 1 = 5) and hence the solution is 85.
A. 8 4 B. 9 7 C. 26 2
+9 + 9 + 9
93 (3 = 4 – 1) 10 6 (6 = 7 – 1) 27 1 (1 = 2 – 1)
(9 = 8 + 1) (10 = 9 + 1) (27 = 26 + 1)
Practice:–
A. 2 3 B. 16 8 C. 7 7
+9 +9 +9
___ ____ ___
a b
+ 8 .
(a + 1) / (b – 2)
Method:–
When you add 8 to any number, digit at ten’s place increases by 1 and digit at unit’s
place decreases by 2. In above example, When we add 8 to above number a b
▪ a becomes a + 1 and
▪ b becomes b – 2.
Solved Example:–
A. 6 3
+8
71 (1 = 3 – 2)
(7 = 6 + 1)
Method:–
Here, when you add 8 to 63, digit at ten’s place (6) increases by 1 (i.e. 6 + 1 = 7) and
digit at unit’s place (3) decreases by 2 (i.e. 3 – 2 = 1) and the solution we get is 71.
A. 8 8 B. 6 5 C. 5 2
+8 +8 +8
96 (6 = 8 – 2) 73 (3 = 5 – 2) 60 (0 = 2 – 2)
(9 = 8 + 1) (7 = 6 + 1) (6 = 5 + 1)
Practice:–
A. 5 5 B. 9 4 C. 4 3
+8 +8 +8
___ ___ ___
a b
+ 7 .
(a + 1) / (b – 3)
Method:–
When you add 7 to any number, digit at ten’s place increases by 1 and digit at unit’s
place decreases by 3. In above example, When we add 7 to above number a b
▪ a becomes a + 1 and
▪ b becomes b – 3.
Solved Example:–
A. 7 6
+7
83 (3 = 6 – 3)
(8 = 7 + 1)
Method:–
Here, when you add 7 to 76, digit at ten’s place (7) increases by 1 (i.e. 7 + 1 = 8) and
digit at unit’s place decreases by 3 (i.e. 6 – 3 = 3) and the solution we get is 83.
A. 8 4 B. 5 6 C. 10 5
+7 +7 +7
91 (1 = 4 – 3) 63 (3 = 6 – 3) 11 2 (2 = 5 – 3)
(9 = 8 + 1) (6 = 5 + 1) (11 = 10 + 1)
Practice:–
A. 7 8 B. 3 7 C. 4 5
+7 +7 +7
___ ___ ___
NOTE: This method is not applicable for 9 when unit’s place of the number is 0, for 8
when unit’s place is the number is 0, 1, and 7 when unit’s place of the number is 0, 1,
and 2.
Method:–
While adding numbers avoid saying 5 plus 8 equals to 13, 13 plus 6 equals to 19.
Instead as soon as you see 5 and 8 to be added simply say 13, 13 and 6 to be added
simply say 19. Thus you will save time by saying only the answer instead of whole
calculation.
Solved Example:–
6
+7
+8
+9
30
Method:–
Starting from the top do not say 6 + 7 = 13, 13 + 8 = 21, 21 + 9 = 30; instead add all
digits mentally and utter only the answer 13,21,30.
A. 9 B. 4 C. 9
+8 +8 +8
+5 +5 +6
+8 +2 +4
+7 +9 +3
37 28 30
Method:–
Here try out saying only the answer after each addition instead of saying the whole
computation. Consider Ex (A). do not say 9 + 8 = 17, 17 + 5 = 22, 22 + 8 = 30, 30 + 7
= 37; instead when you see figures 9 and 8 calculate mentally and utter only the
answer 17, 22, 30, 37 . This will help you increase pace while adding up with your
traditional method.
Practice:–
A. 5 B. 4 C. 6
+3 +5 +8
+6 +9 +8
+9 +8 +7
+7 +5 +6
+4 +7 +7
+6 +3 +9
Method:–
Place a dot for each ten to be carried and add only units. Number of dots represents
ten’s digit.
Solved Example:–
A. 9• (1 + 9 = 10 = 1/0)
+8• (3 + 8 = 11 = 1/1)
+6• (7 + 6 = 13 = 1/3)
+4 (3 + 4 = 7)
+3
30
Method:–
Starting addition from the bottom instead of saying 7, 13, 21, 30 as shown in
previous method say the unit figure only placing a dot next to number when you
exceeds 10. In the above shown example starting from the bottom 3 + 4 = 7, 7 + 6 =
13 since 13 exceeds 10 so we place a dot near 6 and proceed using only unit digit 3.
Thus further 3 + 8 = 11, again 11 exceeds 10 so we place a dot near 8 and proceed
considering only the unit digit 1. Further 1 + 9 = 10, so again a dot is placed near 9
and proceeds with unit digit 0. Now no further addition so final unit digit 0 is placed
in unit’s place of the answer and number of dots represents ten’s digit. There are 3
dots in the whole computation so digit at ten’s place is 3.
A. 4• B. 3• C. 8 D. 9
+5 +8• +4• +7•
+6• +7 +3 +6•
+8• +6• +8• +5
+7 +5 +9• +4•
+6• +8• +7 +3
+5 +3 +6• +2
41 40 45 36
Method:–
In the above examples we start adding digits one by one, and whenever it exceeds 10
we place a dot near it, continuing only with its unit’s digit for further calculation.
Consider Ex. (A) starting from bottom to top; 5 + 6 = 11; Since 11 exceeds 10 we
place a dot near 6, continuing only with its unit’s digit i.e. 1 for further calculation.
Number of dots represents ten’s digit.
This method could be performed in two ways, one by adding digits from
bottom to top as shown in example 1 and 2; and other way is adding digits from top
to bottom as shown in examples 3 and 4 using the same method.
Practice:–
A. 2 B. 7 C. 6 D. 8 E. 7
+4 +6 +5 +5 +5
+3 +5 +8 +3 +6
+9 +8 +6 +7 +5
+5 +6 +3 +7 +7
+8 +9 +6 +6 +4
+5 +7 +5 +8 +5
+7 +6 +8 +2 +5
Method:–
Always add ten’s figure first before adding unit’s figure. Suppose we have to add 47
and 38, we have to operate in following manner: First add 47 + 30 = 77 and then add
8 to it so answer comes 85. Also place a dot next to number when you exceed 100,
continuing only with its ten’s and unit’s digit for further calculation. Number of dots
represents hundred’s digit.
Solved Examples:–
A. 36 (2 5 + 3 6 = 6 1)
+ 4 5 • (8 0 + 4 5 = 1 / 25)
+58 (2 2 + 5 8 = 8 0)
+ 2 2.
161
Method:–
The arrow shows the direction in which your eye should move. Starting from the
bottom the operation could be performed in following manner: -
▪ 22 + 50 (of 58) = 72 plus the remaining 8 = 80.
▪ 80 + 40 (of 45) = 120 plus the remaining 5 = 125, since 125 exceed 100 so we
place a dot next to 45 and proceed further only with 25.
▪ 25 + 30 (of 36) = 55 plus remaining 6 = 61.
▪ Now there is no further addition so we place 61 in answer’s column.
▪ Number of dots represents hundred’s digit and there is 1 dot in the whole
operation and so we place 1 in hundred’s column of answer, as a result our
answer is 161.
B. 23 (5 8 + 2 3 = 8 1)
+34 (2 4 + 3 4 = 5 8)
+ 5 6 • (6 8 + 5 6 = 1 / 24)
+ 7 3 • (9 5 + 7 3 =1 /68)
+64 (3 1 + 6 4 = 9 5)
+31
281
Method:–
The arrow shows the direction in which your eye should move. It shows first we have
to add ten’s figure and then the remaining unit’s figure. Starting from the bottom
the operation could be performed in following manner.
▪ 31 + 60 (of 64) = 91 plus the remaining 4 = 95.
▪ 95 + 70 (of 73) = 165 plus the remaining 3 =168, since 168 exceed 100 so we
place a dot next to 73 and proceed further only with 68.
▪ 68 + 50 (of 56) = 118 plus remaining 6 = 124, since 124 exceed 100 so we place
a dot next to 56 and proceed further only with 24.
▪ 24 + 30 (of 34) = 54 plus remaining 4 = 58.
▪ 58 + 20 (of 23) = 78 plus remaining 3 = 81.
▪ Now there is no further addition so we place 81 in answer’s column.
▪ Number of dots represents hundred’s digit and there are 2 dots in the whole
operation and so we place 2 in hundreds column of answer, as a result our
answer is 281.
In the below shown examples, we add ten’s digit first before adding unit’s digit to the
number. Whenever the addition exceeds 100, place a dot for each 100 and continue
addition with remaining figures. Number of dots in the operation represents
hundred’s digit.
+ 4 8 • (1/31) 8 3 + 4 8 = 1 / 31 + 4 3 • (1/26) 8 3 + 4 3= 1 / 26
+ 6 1 • (1/33) 7 2 + 6 1 = 1 / 33 + 8 1 • (1/19) 3 9 + 81 = 1 / 19
+72 +38
298 316
Practice:
A. 25 B. 39 C. 95
+38 +42 +23
+23 +31 +92
+29 +28 +71
+62 +65 +64
+71 +68 +42
+82 +71 +25
Solved Example:–
2
A. 33•
+•35
+ 38•
+•82
+ 72
260
Method:–
Two dots in first column (unit’s place column) gives carry over figure 2 in ten’s place
column otherwise the method is same as the dot method we learned in single column
addition. Here we have to calculate single column at a time. Since the arrow points
upward, the whole operation is performed from bottom to top.
•2 2 •3
A. 23 B. •91 C. 11
+ 56• +•92 + 23
+•81 +•93 + 35•
+•73 +•94• +•46
+ 42• +•85 + 58•
+•98 +•86• +•69•
+ 41 + 87 + 73
414 628 315
Practice:–
A. 34 B. 77 C. 92
+65 +78 +33
+68 +33 +33
+29 +23 +78
+62 +29 +92
+89 +87 +82
+68 +97 +35
Method:
It is same as single column addition, here the difference is number of dots in first
column (unit’s place column) gives us carry–over figure for second column (ten’s
place column), also the number of dots in second column gives us carry over figure
for third column (hundred’s place column).
Solved Example:–
2 2
A. 3 3•8 •
+•35 5
+ 3 8•4 •
+•82 4
+ 72 3
262 4
Method:–
Numbers of dots in first column gives carry over figure for second column. Numbers
of dots in second column gives carry over figure for third column otherwise the
method is same as dot method used in single column addition. Since the arrow
points upwards, the whole operation is performed from bottom to top. We can also
perform the whole operation from top to bottom.
• 22 2 2 • 3 3
A. 23 1 B. • 9 1 1 C. 11 5•
+ 5 6•3 • +•92 2 + 23 7
+•81 2 +•93 3 + 3 5•9 •
+•73 7• + • 9 4•4 • +•46 0
+ 4 2•2 +•85 4 + 5 8•2
+•98 3 + • 8 6•7 • + • 6 9•1 •
+ 41 3 + 85 8 + 73 9
416 1 628 9 318 3
Practice:–
A. 3 4 3 B. 742 C. 928
+658 +783 +335
+683 +333 +335
+293 +237 +783
+629 +297 +929
+898 +879 +823
+687 +970 +567
Method:–
It is same as single column addition, here the only difference is number of dots in
first column (unit’s place column) gives us carry–over figure for second column (ten’s
place column), the number of dots in second column gives us carry over figure for
third column (hundred’s place column) also the number of dots in third column gives
carry over figure for fourth column (thousand’s place column).
Solved Example:–
2 2 3
A. 3 3•8•5•
+•3 5 5 6•
+ 3 8•4•4
+•8 2 4 7•
+ 7 2 3 8
26 2 7 0
Method:–
3 dots in first column gives carry over figure 3 for second column, 2 dots in second
column gives carry over figure 2 for third column, 2 dots in third column gives carry
over figure 2 for fourth column. Since the arrow points upwards, the whole operation
is performed from bottom to top. After Two and Three digit addition Dot method is
much tedious to operate with.
Practice:–
A. 3435 B. 7428 C. 9287
+6588 +7837 +3353
+6839 +3338 +3358
+2933 +2375 +7839
+6297 +2974 +9294
+8986 +8797 +8234
+6867 +9789 +5688
Decimal Addition
Decimal are the fractional numbers. The decimal 0.5 means 5/10, 0.92 means 92/100
and 0.875 means 875/100.
Method:–
This could be done using the same method of multicolumn addition using dot
method. Note that the decimal point is to be arranged in identical line compulsorily.
Solved Example:–
A. 8 7 5 . 30
+ 31.05
+ 0.78
+ 1234.00
+ 4.5
+ 12.34
2157.97
Method:–
The above decimal addition could be solved using our traditional method as well as
using dot method. Here from above we can see that even if we have different lengths
of number, care is taken that decimal point comes in the identical line.
Practice:–
A. 35.89 + 4.89 + 0.58 + 3.24 + 21567.32 + 154 + 63.87 =?
B. 6766.87 +7235.8909 +876 + 0.75 +862.00001 +763 =?
Method:–
This method is specifically applicable for numbers having numeral near 10, 20,
30…100, 200…1000 etc. Suppose we have to add 154 + 197, it is better to add 154 +
200 = 354 and then subtract 3 from answer since we have added 3 more to 154. So
final solution comes to be 351 and this could be done orally. This method is
applicable for addition of numbers, provided one of the number’s numeral is near by
round figure.
Solved Example:–
Method:–
Here 997 is increased to 1000 adding 3, since 1000 is the round figure near to 997
and later on 3 is subtracted from the total sum to get the correct answer. Thus the
method called as by addition and by subtraction, since we have to add more quantity
first and then subtract the same accordingly to get the correct answer.
Method:–
Here 449 is increased to 450 adding 1, since 450 is the round figure near to 449 and
later on 1 is subtracted from the total sum to get the correct answer. Here we have
shown working but generally this method is mentally applicable.
Practice:–
A. 798 + 586 =?
B. 8689 + 1990 =?
C. 444 + 98 =?
D. 9999 + 9999 =?
Method:–
Try to complete the numbers as far as possible. Complete in the sense, try to add
them so that they complete round figure. The following are combinations shown for
completion of 10: - 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, & 5 and 5.
Solved Example:–
A. 47 + 40 + 63 = 110 + 40 = 150.
Method:–
It is more convenient to add 47 and 63 first (since 7 and 3 completes 10) which comes
to 110 and further 40 is added to it.
B. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 40 + 5 = 45
Method:–
Adding individually each number becomes tedious and time consuming, instead add
1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6 (all completes 10) that comes to 40. Finally add the
remaining 5 to it.
A. 36 + 27 + 84 + 33 = 120 + 60 = 180.
B. 11 + 28 + 79 + 32 + 13 + 27 + 24 = 90 + 60 + 40 + 24 = 214.
Method:–
In the method of completion we should convert odd figures into round figures by
adding two odd figures which completes round figure (i.e.9 with 1, 8 with 2, 7 with 3,
6 with 4, and 5 with 5). In the given examples we attempted to convert odd figures
into round figures thus making operation very handy.
Practice:–
A. 83 + 76 + 17 + 24 + 38 =?
B. 96 + 49 + 4 + 31 + 32 + 48 =?
C. 989 + 31 +11 + 69 + 42 =?
Verification Method for Addition.
Digital root: - Digital root is the least possible single digit that can be obtained from
any number by adding all the digits in the number together repeatedly till it comes
to single digit number.
For example:–
1. Digital root of 5 = 5
2. Digital root of 23 = 2 + 3 = 5.
3. Digital root of 92 = 9 + 2 = 11; 11 = 1 + 1 = 2.
4. Digital root of 234 = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9.
5. Digital root of 267 = 2 + 6 + 7 =15; 15 = 1+ 5 = 6.
6. Digital root of 62871 = 6 + 2 + 8 + 7+ 1 = 24; 24 = 2 + 4 = 6.
The above method for finding digital root is tedious when it comes to big numbers,
but don’t worry we have another trouble-free method to find digital root. As the
value of “9 = 0” for finding digital roots “we can cast off all 9s and its possible
combinations” to find digital root faster and handily. Even if we cast off 9 and its
possible combinations from the number the digital root remains the same.
For example:–
1. Digital root of 92 = 2. (Since we are free to drop out 9.)
2. Digital root of 267 = 6. (Since we can eliminate combinations of 9 i.e. 2 and 7.)
3. Digital root of 62871 = 6. (Since we can cast off combinations of 9 i.e. 2 and 7
& 8 and 1.)
Examples shown here are same as examples 2, 4 and 5 shown before.
From above examples we can see that even if 9 and its combinations are eliminated
from the number the digital root doesn’t change.
NOTE: This method of finding digital root is very important because it is even used
for verification of subtraction, multiplication, squares, cubes and also finding square
roots. So it is desired to be thorough with this method.
Method:–
Digital root
X O O + P = Q;
+Y P Digital Root of Q = A.
Z B
▪ First find digital root of the numbers (X and Y) individually which are to be
added. Let’s name it as O and P respectively for digital roots of X and Y.
▪ Add their digital roots (i.e. O and P) to get an answer (Q).
▪ Also remove digital root of the achieved answer (Q),if it is not a single digit
number let’s name it as A.
▪ Take out digital root of the solution (Z) achieved by adding both numbers X
and Y, let’s name it as B.
▪ If A = B, then only the answer is correct. Thus we can verify any addition
operation.
▪ In short; if, Digital root of solution (i.e. B) = Digital root {Addition of digital
root of numbers} (i.e. A); answer is correct.
▪ It seems to be complicated and tedious but once you start practically solving
problems below, you will find it is very trouble-free and simple.
Solved Example:–
Digital root
▪ For number 381641 combination of 9 (i.e. 3 and 6 & 8 and 1) are dropouts,
therefore digital root of 381641 = 4 + 1 = 5.
▪ For number 521782 combination of 9 (i.e. 8 and 1 & 7 and 2) are dropouts,
therefore digital root of 521782 = 5 + 2 = 7.
▪ Addition of both number’s digital root = 5 + 7 = 12 and again its digital root =
1 + 2 = 3.
▪ For solution 903423 combination of 9 (i.e. 3, 4 and 2) and itself 9 are
dropouts, therefore digital root of 903423 = 3.
▪ Since, Digital root of solution (3) = Digital root {Addition of digital root of
numbers} (3); answer is correct.
Digital root
B. 32675491 1 1+1=2
+ 43726591 1
76402082 2
Since both digits (2) are identical,
solution is correct.
Method:–
▪ Digital root of 32675491 = 1 (since all combinations of 9 and itself 9 can be
eliminated to find digital root).
▪ Digital root of 43726591 = 1 (since all combinations of 9 and 9 itself can be
eliminated to find digital root).
▪ Addition of both number’s digital root = 1 + 1 = 2. Digital root of 2 is itself 2
because you can’t reduce further since it is single digit number.
▪ Digital root of the solution 7 6 4 0 2 0 8 2 = 6 + 4 + 8 + 2 (Since combination of
A. 563784 7 + 8 = 15 = 1+ 5 = 6
+ 7236459 0 6+0+2=8
+ 5423780 3 + 8 = 11 = 1+ 1= 2
13224023 1+3+2+2=8
Since both numbers
are identical the
solution is correct.
Digital roots
B. 9837214 3+4=7
+ 7657722 6 + 5 + 7 = 18 = 1+ 8 = 9 = 0 7 + 0 + 6 + 2 =15
+ 8787390 8 + 7 + 8 + 7 + 3 = 33 = 3 + 3 = 6 15 = 1 + 5 = 6
+ 5757464 7 + 7 + 6 = 20 = 2 + 0 = 2
32039790 3+3=6
Since both numbers are
identical the solution is Correct.
Practice:–
Verify Answers
A. 8 4 2 9 6 3 1 B. 4 5 6 7 8 2 9 C. 6 7 3 4 2 5 6 3 9 1 8
+7362452 +6555732 +12345678912
+1479028 +5546723 +13578908764
+1357986 +6253741 +81726359921
18629097 22944024 1 7 4 9 9 3 51 1 5 1 5