Squaring numbers is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

In my previous blog, I have talked about a trick to square numbers falling in the range 30-70.  I mentioned, however, that because of its limitations, many people would rather try to find a more clever trick that would involve a wider range.  I'm going to illustrate here another trick, which is way more efficient, because it could be used for all numbers.

In order to square any number in a matter of seconds, all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

1) calculate the difference between the number you are trying to square and the nearest base (10, 100,  1000, etc.)

2) Add that difference to the number to be squared to get the first digits

3) Square the difference to get the rest of the digits

4) Don't forget to carry over!

For example, if you are trying to square a big number, such as 123, what you have to do is:

1) the nearest base is 100, so 123-100 = 23

2) 123 + 23 = 146

3) 23 x 23 = 529

4) 14(6+5)29 = 14(11)29

carry over again: 1(4+1)129 = 15129 - TADA!!

Wasn't that simple?  This technique works with all numbers if you follow the above steps carefully, so who needs calculators?!