How to get better at math

Hey,I just tried one of those trader math quiz at easy mode,it had 80 questions in 8 minutes (which sounds insane) and i realized how bad i am like really bad.The multiplication weren't too bad but decimal divide and addition/subtraction were hideous, couldn't even do basic ones.What do i do get better at mental math, i just use calculator all the time for tests etc. but this seems important in trading firms….What methods,courses etc do you recommend?Thanks

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If you scored 10 on zetamac default perhaps you might not be the best at numerical reasoning/logic and should focus on the trading firms that emphasize probability/statistics and computer science/algorithms than the discretionary/trader focused firms. Optiver, Akuna, Flow all of those who test the speed mental math are typically more trader focused anyways rather than tech focused. Try your shot at applying to some of the other firms and focus on probability/statistics/brainteasers - just being honest since I think 10 on zetamac default shows that it might be very difficult to improve to the 50+ you need for most speed math tests.

 

Yeah, tho i am not applying anywhere right now, i am a junior in high school but i was just taking a shot at a couple of tests. I have some time so I'll work to improve that now.Btw what are the firms which don't focus on mental maths that much?Thanks

 

Oh haha Junior in high school, I'm sure you'll learn a few tricks by then that can get you to 20-30 and then from there you can build your way up. Take a look at some of the mental math books as well. In terms of the ones that don't focus on mental math you'd have to be adept at other areas of math like probability/statistics (also typically tested by the mental math firms), calculus/more advanced math (Jane Street usually), linear algebra (IMC) and some others. But in regards to the firms who don't focus on mental math as much I'd say like IMC, Jane Street, Jump Trading for sure. Didn't apply to DRW or CTC

 

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