Vedic Math Principles Explained For Beginners
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2011 Time: 6:00 AM
Vedic Math is a system for mathematics developed in India by Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha during the 20th century. It has 16 guiding principles known as sutras. Each sutra works based on how the mind operates, and this makes it possible to complete complex calculations in the mind without any need for tools or paper.
The word 'Vedic' implies that it has been derived from the Vedas, which are the holy scripts of the Hindu religion. While its origins may still be a matter of debate, the usefulness of and nimble methods in this style of mathematics are not. It has a unified and inter-related structure that flows smoothly forwards and back.
For example, multiplication methods are easily reversed into a 1-line division. Squaring methods can be turned into 1-line square root methods. This smooth flow and methods that are part of an overall structure make it easy to grasp and use. It can also be a whole lot more fun than ordinary mathematics.
Perhaps a specific example will help illustrate how simple and effective it is. "All from 9 and the last from 10" is one of the 16 basic sutras. It can be used for subtractions from numbers like 100 or 1,000 or 10,000 and so on. For subtracting 267 from 1000, take out 2 and 6 from 9 to get the first two digits of the answer. The last digit can be obtained by taking out 7 from 10.
That's 9-2=7 as the first digit of the answer, 9-6=3 as the second one, and 10-7=3 as the last digit. So the answer to 1000 - 267 is 733. Yes, that was ridiculously easy and yes - it always works. Calculations for methods based on this sutra, and for all methods based on all 16 sutras, can similarly be done in the mind without having to write it down or use a calculator.
Right, so it makes these calculations look easy. That's mostly because it uses the mind and doesn't rely on external aids or tools. For students, the best part is that learning these methods and sutras is very easy.
Ok, so it's easy and efficient. That still doesn't answer the question of why it makes mathematics enjoyable. That would be because there are many ways to arrive at an answer. This gives students the freedom to use their creativity and create their own methods to perform calculations.
In ordinary mathematics, students would have to necessarily start from the right and move left digit by digit. But as shown in the example above, a calculation can begin from left to right and operations can be performed simultaneously on multiple digits. This kind of freedom allows students to follow a path their mind is comfortable with and it ensures they like it and will not forget it.
Every student thus develops a unique style for doing calculations in Vedic Math. It makes it a much more enjoyable activity and many students have started liking mathematics because of it. It doesn't have to replace the regular stuff being taught in school. But it does help sharpen the mind and remove the fear and confusion that modern mathematics engenders in students' minds.
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Enhance your mental math by studying potent methods taught in vedic maths.
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