Simple mathematics

Definition

Simple mathematical tasks like

13 + 2

3 * 4

can be tackled in 2 ways.

 

Mental representation 1

Problem solver can go through all the trouble of calculating the value by mathematical rules.

This method is reliable, although slower, compared to the second representation.

 

Mental representation 2

Because of constant training, one is able to solve these equation by retrieving them from memory.

You don't think how much is 2+2. You inherently know it by now.

This approach can also be found with combination of the previous method at solving bigger equations.

Solving 152+66 cannot usually be done from memory. However, after splitting the equation down to digits, the representation returns. Values of 2+6, 5+6 and 1+1(overflow) are retrieved from memory and afterwards combined into end value.

 

 

Note

It is debatable if this is a good example of mental representations.

Will have to return to this.