The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Mathematics (Hardcover)

by Jakow Trachtenberg (Author), Ann Cutler (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The complete system of the Trachtenberg method of mathematics which makes possible high-speed arithmetical calculations with a remarkable degree of accuracy.

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 (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #520,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	A_mathematician - See all my reviews

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.

25 of 25 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.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gave me the impetus to explore a subject that I hated most., December 3, 1999

By	Robert Hanks "bob_hanks" (Redondo Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was introduced to the Trachtenberg method in the 3rd and 4th grade by my mother, through home study. I was an absolute mess in arithmetic and higher level math. The system gave me the encouragement, confidence and skills to go on - and go on I did, through 8 quarters of calculus for my degree in economics and beyond. This is absolutely the best foundation for any mom and dad that want to help their children with numbers, but are unsure of themselves or their skill. Techniques can be picked up so fast it's unbelievable. Highly recommend; I intend, as an older father with two year old girl twins, to use this book intensively, but not in the immediate future of course. I'd be interested in hearing from other readers on this, and I can be reached at [e-mail].