Mental Maths is the maths we do in our heads without the use of calcu lators and without writing down the calculation. Mental Maths strategies are the ºtricks we use to do Maths in our heads. There are different ways of finding the answer to any Mental Maths problem, and such strate gies are the focus of this series. Even though calculators and computers play an enormous role in the modern world, we still need to go back to the basics Ê we do need to know how to check that the sales assistant a t the counter is giving us the right change! Mental Maths has become mor e important than ever and new primary Maths syllabuses in Australia are reflecting this. For example, NSW has placed an emphasis on Mental Maths in its primary syllabus, and even the Year 10 School Certificate examin ation has a compulsory non-calculator section.

Features of this b ook include:-

• 32 double-page units of Mentals are included Ê 8 units for each school term
• rach unit is divided into four sets (A,B,C and D) of 20 questions each
• rach numbered question covers particular Maths topics throughout the book: for example, Questio n 1 always covers addition, while Question 20 always covers geometry
• a special º'Help' section at the front of the book gives differ ent strategies and explanations to help students solve Mentals problems. These are also numbered so they link to the question numbers in each Me ntals unit
• a ºFun Spot unit, containing fun activities, and a ºRevision unit are included at the end of each 8 units
• ext ra practice sections which reinforce particular strategies appear in t he lower part of each page
• answers to all questions are in a li ft-out section in the centre of the book