Add Reversed Numbers

Algebraic shortcut: ab + ba = 11(a+b)

47 + 74 = 121

Split both: 47 is 40 + 7, and 74 is 70 + 4 — the same digits, swapped.

Every digit lands once in the tens and once in the ones, so it is worth 11.

So add the digits and multiply by 11: 4 + 7 = 11, and 11 × 11 = 121.

Your turn

Three to try in your head — tap what you get.

78 + 87

34 + 43

45 + 54

Keep practicing free in Math Challenge

All 36 shortcuts: the Magic Tricks library.