The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Mathematics [Hardcover]

Jakow Trachtenberg (Author), Ann Cutler (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313232008 | ISBN-13: 978-0313232008 | Publication Date: February 4, 1982

The complete system of the Trachtenberg method of mathematics which makes possible high-speed arithmetical calculations with a remarkable degree of accuracy. This method is not only speedy but simple. Once one has mastered the rules, lightning calculation is as easy as reading a story. It looks like magic, but the rules are based on sound logic.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press Reprint (February 4, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313232008
• ISBN-13: 978-0313232008
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,603 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a comment, February 21, 2005

By 

A_mathematician - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Mathematics (Hardcover)

some readers have commented that the method does not work with multiplication by 5. I am using the 1960 version and have found that the method does hold even for examples that I produce not from the book. I suggest you examine the algorithm more carefully.

In response to the 1 star review that claims this is not worthwhile for teaching mathematics and that reliance on calculators etc. is best while focusing on applied concepts is a good one, however, an overreliance on computational tools hinders mathematical thought since a student does not have a natural sense and intuition of the number system.

Furthermore, when numbers are simple to manipulate, the mental energy for such thought is reduced and enables a student to focus more time on the problem at hand without the interruption of using a calculator for input and computation.

I do agree with the businessman's comment that this is only a tool for teaching the operations involved with basic arithmetic and that it does not help with teaching word problems and cognitive skills. But, for anyone interested, this book will
aid them with proficiency in mathematical computation and hopefully give them tools that can help them tackle more challenging problems in mathematics.

Certainly, this system is far superior to conventional ones currently taught at the grade school level.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Method really works - Instantaneously, April 10, 2005

By 

Nihal Mehta (Plano, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Speed System of Basic Mathematics (Paperback)

I have read a lot of books on speed mathematics, and without exception, they are all useless except this one. The method described here is easy. But most importantly, it scales up to larger numbers without additional complexity. This scaling up is what differentiates this method from the others.

The key to learning this method is skip the first chapter. Don't waste time in learning how to multiply by 8. Rather, start with the second chapter, the "direct method" for multiplication.

You will surprise your friends and family when they see you multiplying numbers in your head.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Problem here = solution here : You can now PUT your CALCULATORS up FOR SALE !, June 20, 2006

By 

rev1ewer "socks" (Denmark) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Mathematics. (Hardcover)

The below review goes for any edition of the book; be it paperback, hardback, new, old, in any language whatsoever.
I, however, first studied the books' danish paperback edition, published 1950'ish ::
Starting out; you really only need to know how to count one-tru-eleven.
The book sets out by presenting to you an entirely new way to 'think' multiplication: You'll learn to 'read' each individual cipher - stop memorizing of multiplication tables - . Completely mastered in about one lazy afternoon.
Soon, you will be reading and handling numbers as well as ciphers in much the same way you now read books. It's such a joy - both rewarding and addictive - ; provided only your undivided attention and wholeheartedly commitment !
Your memory will work and expand quickly; you'll find yourself dividing, multiplying and adding just for the fun of it - without any support of tools like pen & paper etc., even for billions*billions or division into like a zillion decimals !
In about one month I worked through this book cover-to-cover, read every single page of every chapter, did every single exercise over.
*** This SYSTEM is guaranteed to WORK - anyone can learn it ***
Even for someone who is not intimidated by numbers: this is the only book, you'll ever need to become the wizard of every-day-basic maths.
Do not for any reason skip any chapter or pages or the entire philosophy WILL elude you !
With pen [indeed: PEN] and paper work your way attentively and meticously through every single exercise - especially the obvious ones !
PLEASE; Stay patient with each of the examples and repeat them over until you're completely mastering its unique technique.
About half-way through this book you'll probably find calculators much too slow AND in-accurate [too few digits displayed]; You'll always vision the complete solution in your head long before you've finished punching the calculator's keypad.
The division chapters seemed the most difficult ones to me [two entirely independent and very different systems]. One is fool-proof, one is tounge-in-cheek.; you'll need to work through both of them. The latter division system is by far the most difficult part of the entire book - PLEASE brace yourself to put the extra effort into mastering it - and then SELL your CALCULATORs !
Your conception and memory skills as well as self-confidence will be instantly and permanently boosted.
Excellent self-study guide for children, too !
It's indeed the very best self-study basic-maths teacher for anyone who shyes away from basic accounting - or just wants a-trick-or-two to improve their calculating-speed.