THE MAGIC OF VEDIC MATHS

Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Atharvaveda between 1911 and 1918 by Sri Krsna Tirthaji (1984-1960).   According to his research, all of mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras or word-formulae.  For example, “Vertically and Crosswise” is one of these Sutras.  These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution.

The most striking feature of the Vedic system is its coherence.  Instead of a mix-up of unrelated techniques, the whole system is beautifully interrelated and unified.  The general multiplication method for example, is easily reversed to allow for one-line divisions and the simple squaring method can be reversed to give one-line square roots.  And these are all easily understandable.  It makes mathematics easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation.

The system is based on 16 Vedic sutras or aphorisms, which are actually word-formulae describing natural ways of solving a whole range of mathematical problems. Some examples of “Sutras” are "By one more than the one before", "All from 9 & the last from 10", and "Vertically & Crosswise". These 16 one-line formulae originally written in Sanskrit, which can be easily memorized, enables one to solve long mathematical problems quickly.

By the use of Vedic system, ‘difficult’ problems or huge sums can often be solved immediately by the Vedic method.  These striking and beautiful methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics, which is far more systematic than the conventional system.  Vedic Mathematics manifests the coherent and unified structure of mathematics and the methods are complementary, direct and easy.

The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics implies that the calculations can be done mentally (though the methods can also be written down initially).  There are a number of advantages in using a flexible mental system.  Students can invent their own methods and thus are not limited to using only one ‘correct’ method. This allows for greater flexibility on the part of the student.  This eventually leads to more creative, interested and intelligent students.

Practitioners of this striking method of mathematical problem solving opine that Vedic Maths is far more systematic, coherent and unified than the conventional system. It is a mental tool for calculation that encourages the development and use of intuition and innovation, while giving the student a lot of flexibility, fun and satisfaction. Therefore, it's direct and easy to implement in schools — a reason behind its enormous popularity among educationists and academicians.

Interest in the Vedic System is growing in education where mathematics teachers are looking for something better and finding Vedic Maths is the answer.  Research is being carried out in many areas including the effects of learning Vedic Maths on children, developing new, powerful but easy applications of the Vedic Sutras in pure mathematics, geometry, calculus, etc. 

But the real beauty and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics cannot be fully appreciated without actually practicing the system.   One can then see that it is perhaps the most refined and efficient mathematical system possible.

The author can be contacted at karticksivaraman@rediffmail.com