Here, repeating the number 1000 creates a kind of mental routine. Other numbers become secondary, almost indistinct. It’s a bit like listening to a song over and over again: eventually, certain details are lost on us.
The result? We fill in the gaps with estimates. And these estimates, no matter how small, are enough to completely distort the final result.
A simple trick to avoid mistakes
The good news is that this mistake can be avoided very easily. And it can be summed up in one word: slow down.
Instead of trying to move quickly, take the time to break down the calculation step by step, as if you were explaining it to someone else.
For example:
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1000 + 40 = 1040
1040 + 1000 = 2040
2040 + 30 = 2070
2070 + 1000 = 3070
3070 + 20 = 3090
3090 + 1000 = 4090
4090 + 10 = 4100
And there you have it: the correct answer is 4100, not 5000.
This process may seem longer, but it is also much more reliable.
Learn to slow down to be more successful
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In our daily lives, everything moves very quickly. We want to react quickly, make decisions quickly and move forward without wasting time. But this habit can do us tricks, even in simple situations.
Mental arithmetic requires the exact opposite: a little patience, a touch of method and real concentration. Taking a few extra seconds can make all the difference.
It’s a bit like cooking: rushing a recipe never makes it better. Browse recipes
A little exercise to strengthen your brain
