I am not one to force people to change their ways if that way works for them, obviously as it does for you, and has done for many years. I sometimes suggest alternative ways to see if they work. But if they don't another way, possibly more efficient but not always, may be sought. This can apply to many things outside maths and calculations, I also try to listen to other peoples ways of doing things or views and if i agree, adopt so or all of the methods/views, and if I disagree accept that others have different views and get on with life. Anyway enough rambling about other things in this post form me.

Well done Bovril. I bet John Nicholson, who is always promoting the use of the Abacus will be overjoyed at your use of it, albeit on paper rather than beads strung along a rail within a frame.

You guys may use the calculator you have in the start button in you computer to get the result sought to be had. Im not a math geek but I know of a trick which could probably amaze the rest of the community here. try to look at the following: 12345679 x 9 = 12345679 x 18= 12345679 x 27 = 12345679 x 45 = 12345679 x 54 = 12345679 x 63 = 12345679 x 72 = 12345679 x 81 = I've known that for years now and I never shared it yet to anyone and I guess that's worth a try.

isla, I am surprised no-one has pulled you up. 12345679 x 9 does not equal 12345679. 12345679 x 1 = 12345679. 12345679 x 9 = 111111111. Work out the rest for yourself. And just in case somebody thinks there should be an 8 in there, that does not work either. I assume you merely mistyped and would be interested to see what you intended.

I've been trying to remember this one for ages it's a very childish sum which seemed hilarious when calculators first became common when I was at school. 5783 × 9576 and read the result upside down!

Our accountant has a big enough calculator, if the last bill is anything to go by!!!!!!