Top 5 Math Tricks That’ll Blow Your Mind

Let’s face it—math doesn’t always win the popularity contest. Some people find it confusing, others think it’s dull. But once you look past the formulas and long equations, you’ll find that math is actually full of surprising patterns and clever shortcuts.

In this post, I’m sharing 5 math tricks that are not only fun but will also make you look like a total genius. Whether you’re brushing up on math or just love a good brain teaser, these will definitely make you say, “Whoa!”

Let’s dive in.

1. The 1089 Illusion – A Trick That Never Fails
   This one seems like magic, but it’s pure math.

Try it out:
Think of any 3-digit number where the first and last digits are at least 2 apart (for example, 732).

Reverse the digits (237).

Subtract the smaller number from the larger: 732 – 237 = 495.

Reverse that result: 594.

Add them up: 495 + 594 = 1089.

No matter which number you start with (as long as it follows the rule), you’ll always end up with 1089. It’s freaky—and awesome.

2. Multiply Any Two-Digit Number by 11 in a Flash
   Need a quick way to multiply by 11? Here’s a shortcut:

Take any two-digit number—let’s say 36.

Split the digits: 3 and 6

Add them together: 3 + 6 = 9

Place the 9 between the original digits → 396

So, 36 × 11 = 396 — done instantly in your head.

Try it with other numbers and watch how fast you get!

3. Multiplying by 9 Using Your Fingers
   This is a super visual way to do the 9 times table using just your hands.

Here’s how:

Want to calculate 9 × 4?

Hold out all ten fingers.

Fold down the 4th finger.

Count the fingers to the left of the folded one → 3

Count the fingers to the right → 6

The answer is 36.

This works from 1×9 to 10×9 — perfect for visual learners!

4. Squaring Numbers Ending in 5 (Fast and Easy)
   Here’s a quick trick to square numbers that end with 5—like 35, 75, or 95.

Let’s try 75²:

Remove the 5 → you’re left with 7

Multiply that number by the one after it → 7 × 8 = 56

Stick 25 at the end → 5625

So, 75² = 5625.

No calculator, no long steps — just a clever pattern.

5. Pattern Magic: Multiplying Repeating 1s
   This one’s pure math poetry.

Try multiplying numbers made of all 1s with themselves:
1 × 1 = 1
11 × 11 = 121
111 × 111 = 12321
1111 × 1111 = 1234321
Each result forms a neat, symmetrical pattern — climbing up and then back down. It’s one of those things that makes you smile at how neat math can be.

Final Thoughts: Math = Mind-Blowing
These tricks aren’t just fun — they show that math has a playful side. Beneath all the rules and routines, it’s full of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Whether you love math or have always found it tricky, trying out fun shortcuts like these can help you see numbers in a whole new light.

Got a Math Trick You Love?
I’d love to hear your favorite math hacks, tips, or brain teasers. Drop a comment or send a message — maybe your trick will be featured in the next post!

Until then, stay curious and keep exploring the magic of math.