Why do we Calculate Backwards?: Left to Right is Better

by Kenneth Williams

Yes, we do calculate backwards!

We read, write and pronounce numbers and words from left to right, but we calculate from right to left (starting with the units).

Not only is this inconsistent, it is unnecessary too. Because calculating left to right is extremely easy, as shown in this book.

But there are other, stronger reasons for working left to right.

The most significant (important) figures are always on the left, so in working from the left we get these figures first. And this means it’s far more efficient, especially for quick, mental calculations.

Also the left to right method allows us to combine operations which means we can do huge calculations and get the answer digit by digit to any required accuracy.

For these and other reasons left to right is the natural, sensible and easy way to calculate.

Whether it’s to improve your mental maths skills, or to understand the simplicity and extraordinary efficiency of this method, this book has the potential to change the way you calculate forever.

This book demonstrates that we calculate backwards, describes the advantages of working the alternative way from left to right, and shows how left to right calculations can be carried out.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2019

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