Squaring Strategy Examples

Mental Math · Axiom Academy

EXAMPLE Squaring Strategy Examples Master multiple techniques for squaring numbers quickly and accurately Excellent work! You've completed this squaring strategy example. Here's what we learned: The Difference of Squares Pattern: a² − b² = (a+b)(a−b) rearranges to a² = (a+b)(a−b) + b². For 48², that gives 48² = (50)(46) + 2². Strategic Choice: Numbers ending in 5 or near round numbers (multiples of 10) are excellent candidates for this technique. It reduces complex calculations to simpler ones. Mental Math Efficiency: By rewriting 48² as (50)(46) + 4, we only need 2300 + 4 = 2304, which is much easier than multiplying 48 × 48 directly. Pattern Recognition: The more you practice, the faster you'll recognize when to apply each strategy. Look for numbers close to multiples of 10, 25, 50, etc. This difference of squares approach will help you solve similar problems. Practice with numbers like 52², 97², 105², and 198² to build confidence!

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Mental Math course.