Maths tricks · trick 25 of 25 · free

The leapfrog sum trick — Maths trick for kids

Ask a friend to pick two small numbers and write them down. Each next number is the sum of the two before it — a leapfrog list — until there are 10 numbers. You glance at the list and say the total at once: it is always 11 times the 7th number!

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

The trick

Seventh times eleven — “in a leapfrog list of 10 numbers, the total = 11 × the 7th number”

  1. A leapfrog list: start with two numbers, then each number is the sum of the two before it, up to 10 numbers.
  2. Find the 7th number.
  3. Multiply it by 11 (the number with a 0 on the end, plus the number): that is the total of all 10.

Use it for: A show-stopper magic trick for family and friends, and practice for adding long lists and spotting number patterns.

Worked example: 2 + 5 + 7 + 12 + 19 + 31 + 50 + 81 + 131 + 212 = 550

  1. Each number is the sum of the two before it, so the total is 11 × the 7th number.
  2. The 7th number is 50.
  3. 11 × 50 = 500 + 50 = 550.

Check: 2 + 5 + 7 + 12 + 19 + 31 + 50 + 81 + 131 + 212 = 550 ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, then tap your answer — or type it and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Trick 25 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🐸 Leapfrog Legend badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 10 tricks of Part 4 · Clever counting & checking. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Leapfrog Sum Trick Worksheet

✨ Free AI tutor

Ask the AI tutor about this trick

Why does it work? When should you use it? Ask in English, मराठी or हिंदी.

Sign in with Google to ask Free — 20 questions a day.

👩‍🏫 Maths tricks classes — live online, request a call back

Prefer a real teacher? TalentJR teachers take live online classes anywhere in India. Tell us what you need and our team will call you with timings and fees.

Live online classesSmall groups or 1:1 with a teacher, from home, any city.
We call you backOur team asks what your child needs, then shares timings and fees.
Home tutor?We are still building our list of home tutors — ask on the call if there is one near you.
Badges, certificates & gifts A badge for every trick you pass, a certificate for every part you finish, plus TalentJR Points for daily practice. Mental maths Loved the tricks? Build real speed with Mental Maths Mastery.