Ep 12. Masters of Mental Math

In season 1 episode 12 of "Secrets of Mental Math" titled "Masters of Mental Math," viewers are introduced to some of the world's most skilled mental math experts. These individuals share their unique techniques and methods for quickly solving complex arithmetic problems in their heads.

The episode includes interviews with several experts, including Arthur Benjamin, who holds a PhD in mathematics and is a renowned mental math performer. Benjamin explains that mental math is not about being a genius, but rather about utilizing strategies and tricks to break down complex problems into simpler ones.

Viewers are also introduced to Scott Flansburg, who holds the Guinness World Record for mental addition and is known as "The Human Calculator." Flansburg shares his strategies for quickly adding and subtracting anything from small numbers to lengthy figures with multiple decimals.

Another featured expert is Gert Mittring, a German mathematician who has won several international mental math competitions. Mittring has a unique way of visualizing numbers, which helps him to quickly perform calculations in his head.

The episode also includes demonstrations of mental math techniques, such as the "multiplying by 11" trick and the "squaring numbers in the 50s" technique. Viewers are encouraged to try these tricks themselves and see how quickly they can solve math problems without the use of a calculator or pen and paper.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown that mental math is not only a useful skill, but also an enjoyable one. Experts share their passion for mental math and the joy they experience when solving problems quickly and accurately in their heads.

Overall, "Masters of Mental Math" is an informative and entertaining episode that showcases the incredible skill and dedication of mental math experts. Viewers are sure to be inspired to try some of the techniques themselves and see how much they can improve their mental arithmetic abilities.