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Magic Calculation

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The Harry Potter Canon

-- Rubeus Hagrid (PS5)

Wizards can do math without calculators. They don’t mind difficult and complicated mathematical calculations because they can work them out magically, with virtually no effort (Pm). For example, they have not trouble managing a complicated system of money while shopping in Diagon Alley (PS5).



Rowling's comments:



This appears to be almost automatic, involuntary, rather like our being able to read means we do it without thinking whenever we see text. As such there doesn't seem to be any specific spell involved. Interestingly, this may explain why kids in the wizarding world don't have to take math classes. They develop this magical ability during their pre-Hogwarts years and only study more advanced "math" in the form of Arithmancy -- numbers as magical symbols -- as an elective.

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