Kids’ memorizing multiplication tables（乘法表）may help them to be better mathematicians, according to the scientists.

After spending a certain amount of time practicing maths, kids can put away the calculator. They don’t even need to use their fingers. They simply know the answers to addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. The more quickly kids can recall basic facts, the easier it is for them to solve problems at h_______ level.

Scientists recorded（记录）the brain activities of 28 students for the study, e_______ when the students did maths calculations without the help of a calculator, pen or paper. A calculation — three plus four equals seven, for example — flashed on a screen. The students should say if the answer was right or wrong.

Rather than counting, or writing on the paper, the students pulled the answers from m________. It’s as if（就像）the answers to basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems are kept in a long-term storage（储存）area in the brain.

When kids have basic maths facts memorized, the brain has space to learn more difficult maths. As kids got o_______, their answers became quicker and more accurate.

Scientists hope to use this research to d_______ new ways to help kids learn maths at all levels. One way for students is to quiz themselves in different orders — solving five times three b_______ five times two, for example. Mixing up the order keeps the brain active. Keep these drills up, and you may be a maths whizz in no time.

【1】h______

【2】е__________

【3】m___________

【4】o________

【5】d_________

【6】b________