calculate secretly; mental arithmetic
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to calculate secretly in one's mind; to reckon silently
Refers to thinking through numbers, costs, or plans mentally without speaking, writing, or using tools.
He was silently calculating the cost of this trip in his mind.
The boss did a quick mental calculation of the profits, and a smile appeared on his face.
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While listening to the quotes, she was silently doing the math in her head.
verb
to do mental arithmetic; to calculate in one's head without writing
Specifically refers to performing mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) mentally without paper, calculators, or other aids.
He can quickly do mental multiplication of three-digit numbers.
The children are practicing mental arithmetic.
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Mental calculation is often faster than written calculation.
The teacher asked the students to calculate the answer to this problem in their heads.