A quick way to do calculations is to drop the 0s at the ends of numbers, then replace them for your final answer. For example, to add 120 and 90, get the sum of 12 and 9 and then add one 0.
Similarly, to break down complex problems, start with the big numbers. To multiply 6 x 348, for example, first multiply 6 x 300 ( 1800), then 6 x 40 (240). Add the two to get 2040 and then add on the result of 6 x 8 (48) for a total of 2088.
Change kilometres to miles by dropping the last digit and multiplying by 6: thus, 72 kilometres is approximately 42 miles. Most of today's cars have both scales on their speedometer, however.
To multiply by 9, assign each finger a number, beginning with the little finger of your left hand (1) and ending with the right-hand little finger (10). Then, to multiply 3 x 9, for example, turn down the number-three finger, making a space on your left hand. Count the fingers to the left of the space (2); then count the fingers to the right (7). The answer: 27.