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The Art of Mental Calculation: Extraordinary Human Calculators and Their Secrets

Throughout history, some individuals have displayed extraordinary abilities in mental arithmetic, astonishing audiences with their lightning-fast calculations and remarkable numerical intuition. These mental calculators have captivated our imagination and demonstrated the incredible potential of the human mind. In this post, we'll share the stories of famous mental calculators and discuss the unique approaches they used to master the art of mental math.


Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer
Shakuntala Devi, an Indian prodigy born in 1929, gained worldwide fame for her extraordinary mental calculation abilities. She could perform complex calculations within seconds, earning her the nickname "The Human Computer." Devi attributed her skills to a unique visualization technique that allowed her to manipulate numbers in her mind.

Scott Flansburg: The Human Calculator
Scott Flansburg, an American mathematician and educator, holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest human calculator. He can perform complex arithmetic operations faster than a calculator and is known for his incredible ability to mentally compute square roots, cube roots, and other advanced calculations. Flansburg attributes his skills to recognizing patterns in numbers and understanding their relationships.

Zerah Colburn: The Mental Prodigy
Zerah Colburn, born in 1804, was an American mental calculator who displayed his extraordinary abilities from a young age. He could perform astonishing feats of mental arithmetic, such as raising numbers to high powers and extracting roots. Colburn's techniques were based on an innate understanding of numbers and their properties.

Arthur Benjamin: Mathemagician
Arthur Benjamin, an American mathematician and magician, combines his love for math and magic to perform incredible feats of mental calculation. He can rapidly multiply large numbers, solve complex problems, and even mentally compute calendar dates. Benjamin's techniques rely on a combination of memorization, pattern recognition, and shortcuts.

Wim Klein: The Human Abacus
Wim Klein, a Dutch mathematician born in 1912, was known as "The Human Abacus" for his extraordinary ability to perform complex calculations in his head. He could rapidly multiply large numbers, extract roots, and solve mathematical problems that would stump most people. Klein's techniques were based on a deep understanding of number theory and a powerful memory.


The extraordinary abilities of famous mental calculators serve as an inspiration for anyone looking to improve their mental arithmetic skills. Kobadoo Arithmetic is a brain game is designed to help players develop similar skills by incorporating the techniques and strategies used by these remarkable individuals. So, why wait? Start your journey toward mental math mastery with our game and discover the art of mental calculation!

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