It is cheaper to mould the experience of others into our own lives than to learn severe lessons by our own experience. Business will not run itself, neither will it run by simply turning a crank. If you want to keep up with the procession you must keep abreast with the times, and study carefully modern business methods.
The department of How to do Business devoted to short-cuts in figures is very complete, and contains a large number of short methods of arithmetic, which, all who are anxious to become quick at figures will thoroughly appreciate. Many of the best rules have never before appeared in print. Perhaps the best rule is that entitled
SHORTHAND MULTIPLICATION.
| 96 | 42 | 63 | ||
| 38 | 29 | 29 | ||
| 3648 | 1218 | 1827 |
This rule was accidentally discovered about four years ago. Since that time Mr. Eaton has given the subject very careful study, and from expert mathematicians, both here and in Europe, he has received some very valuable contributions bearing upon the principles involved. The whole subject is thoroughly explained in How to do Business, and the explanations are so simple that the smallest child who knows how to multiply should be able to understand the rule thoroughly and apply it constantly. It is really one of the best things ever published. For instance, take the example given in the illustration: Say 8 times 3 are 24, and put down both figures. Carry one and say 7 times 9 are 63, and put down both figures. Always carry one. Note that this rule does not apply to all numbers, but it applies to a great many. In five minutes study of the rule, anyone should be able to tell at a glance which numbers will work, and which of the two to write as multiplicand. Don't try to find out the rule by any process of guessing, for there is no guess work about it. It is as exact as the sun and as simple as A B C. Apply it to these examples:
| 88 × 73 | 43 × 84 | 39 × 24 | ||
| 62 × 97 | 88 × 55 | 62 × 68 | ||
| 77 × 37 | 68 × 29 | 32 × 94 | ||
| 86 × 47 | 64 × 38 | 43 × 84 | ||
| 63 × 48 | 23 × 27 | 88 × 73 | ||
| 46 × 27 | 63 × 48 | 99 × 82 | ||
| 82 × 49 | 48 × 34 | 85 × 85 | ||
| 96 × 38 | 48 × 26 | 23 × 44 |
| 49 |
| 17-3/4 |
| 869-3/4 |
One of the best things about this rule is the fact that it applies to fractional numbers. Try this example the old way and then apply this new rule: 7 times 9 plus 3/4 of 9 equals 69-3/4; carry one, and twice 4 is 8, giving the answer 869-3/4. If you want to try a few examples take 65 by 37-1/2, or 42 by 38-1/2, or 93 by 48-2/3. The rule applies also to numbers of three figures each. It is fully explained in How to do Business.