Magic Multiplication

Although this blog is mostly for parenting tips, this article is somewhat out of place, not to mention scaring some parents with maths - but nevertheless it can be something taught to children for fun and for good use.

This post is about some simple ways to do multiplication using very large numbers. But please not that these are not general techniques and only work with certain groups of numbers.

1. Squaring of Forty Somethings : eg, 42 * 42
Represent this as 4x * 4x,    where x represents a digit
let a = 15 + x
let b = (10-x)^2,   also b must always be two digits, even if the answer is less than 10
Answer is "a b"
Example: for 42 * 42,   x = 2
So a = 15 + 2 = 17
b = (10-2)^2 = 8^2 = 64
Answer: 42 * 42 = 1764



2. Squaring of Fifty Somethings : eg, 52 * 52
Represent this as 5x * 5x,    where x represents a digit
let a = 25 + x
let b = x^2,   also b must always be two digits, even if the answer is less than 10
Answer is "a b"
Example: for 52 * 52,   x = 2
So a = 25 + 2 = 27
b = 2^2 = 4 = 04
Answer: 52 * 52 = 2704

3. Squaring of Two digits ending in Five : eg, 65 * 65
Represent this as x5 * x5,    where x represents a digit
let a =  x.(x+1)
Then the answer is    "a 25"
Example: for 65 * 65  -> x=6
So a = 6 x 7 = 42
Answer is "4225"


4. Multiplying two Ninety Something together: eg: 97 * 94
- Represent this as 9x * 9y
- Let a = 100 -x and  let b = 100-y
- Answer is "(9x-b) * a.b". Note that a.b result must occupy two digits, so if a.b=7, then write "07"
Example: 97 * 94
a = 100-97 = 3,   b=100-94 = 6
Answer = "(97-6) * 3.6" = "91 * 18" = 9118

5. Multiplying two numbers ending in 1s,  eg: 21 x 81
- Represent this as x1 * y1
- Let a = x.y,    b = x+y
- Answer:  "a b 1"
Example 21 x 81
a = 2*8 = 16,   b = 2+8 = 10,   Note b must occupy ONE digit only, any extra digits get added to the front number.
Answer: "16" "10" "1" Since b=10, the "1" digit gets added to the front number, 16 +1.
   So answer is "17  0  1"

Getting Dressed

Ever tried to get the kids dressed up, while in a big hurry to go somewhere soon? They are running around, while Mum and Dad are not fast enough to change the old clothes for new? Or are they in the middle of changing and they just run around everywhere?

Here's a little trick (Do take this with a grain of salt). Let the old pants be around the ankles so they cannot run. Or let the old shirt be around the arms but not completely off, so they are not completely free. During this time, you can position the new clothes or prepare any nearby items without the kids running away. But be quick.

A bit more serious now. For the toddler still, some are difficult to wake in the morning and to get them dressed. They may be cranky to various degrees, some to the point of screaming and shouting. So for the parent, try to get their dress prepared and laid out at the location where they will get dressed. When morning comes, for the toddler with attitude, do not wake them up. Instead just bring them to the place where they get change and just change them when they are still half asleep.

Mine, Mine, Mine - Electronic Portable Labellers

This page is gives some details of electronic labellers.

Why use labellers?
Kids always lose things. We cannot expect kids at kindergarten age to remember to take their hats, jackets, books, pencil cases and various other possessions from school or child care. Things are bound to be forgotten when kids come home. This is where labellers can be most helpful.

Labellers or Label Makers can be used for

• Address stickers
• Name Tags
• Pencil Cases
• Books
• Jackets
• Hats

And since Mum and Dad now have these portable labeller gadgets, they can also be used for:

• Brouchers and Pamphlets
• Business Documents
• Seminar Handouts
• Scrapbook Making
• Storage Boxes

There are many models of labellers but the two popular brands are DYMO and BROTHER.

Brother PT-80

Here is a promo for the budget but useful Brother PT-80.

This is a low cost, budget end model. We are not saying it does all things nor it is the best, but it has many functionalities that would satisfy most basic needs. Please feel free to post your comments on other models which you have used and like.

More details on the Brother PT-80.

Broucher - http://www.brother.com.au/PDF/Clients/PTouch/PT-80_Brochure.pdf

Label Refills - http://www.ptouchdirect.com/ptouch/pt80.html

Manual / Instruction - http://www.ptouchdirect.com/ptouch/manual/PT80.pdf

Welcome - Introduction

This is the FIRST post of the parenting-ABC blog.

In here there will be various real life experience tips in parenting as well as ideas in minimizing cost on various kids products.

DISCLAIMER: Yes this is the section that most people AVOID reading. But I promise that there will be no legal jargon here. Basically the suggestions and tips are strictly NON-PROFESSIONAL. I do not claim to hold any kind of qualification on child care or parenting. I am just a parent learning by trial and error what works best and sharing some interesting and maybe amusing tips on raising children. As most parents know, all children are different. So what works with one child may not work for another child. If you are interested in reading this blog, please do so with an open mind and make your own judgements. In the end, your children are strictly your responsibility.