The Magic of Vedic Math

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The Magic of Vedic Math

 

What does mathematics have to do with Hinduism? Well, just as the

basic principles of Hinduism lie in the Vedas, so do the roots of

mathematics. The Vedas are ancient Indian texts containing a record of human

experience and knowledge.

 

Thousands of years ago, Vedic mathematicians authored various theses

and dissertations on mathematics. It is now commonly believed and

widely accepted that these treatises laid down the foundations of

algebra, algorithm, square roots, cube roots, various methods of

calculation, and the concept of zero.

 

Vedic Mathematics

"Vedic Mathematics" is the name given to the ancient system of

mathematics, or, to be precise, a unique technique of calculations

based on simple rules and principles, with which any mathematical

problem — be it arithmetic, algebra, geometry or trigonometry — can

be solved, hold your breath, orally!

 

Sutras: Natural Formulae

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, enable one to

solve long mathematical problems quickly.

 

Why Sutras?

Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha Maharaj, who is generally considered the

doyen of this discipline, in his seminal book Vedic Mathematics,

wrote about this special use of verses in the Vedic age: "In order to

help the pupil memorize the material assimilated, they made it a

general rule of practice to write even the most technical and

abstruse textbooks in sutras or in verse (which is so much easier —

even for the children — to memorize)... So from this standpoint, they

used verse for lightening the burden and facilitating the work (by

versifying scientific and even mathematical material in a readily

assimilable form)!"

 

Dr L M Singhvi, the former High Commissioner of India in the UK, who

is an avid endorser of the system says: "A single sutra would

generally encompass a varied and wide range of particular

applications and may be likened to a programmed chip of our computer

age". Another Vedic maths enthusiast, Clive Middleton of

vedicmaths.org feels, "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."

 

A Simple & Easy System

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.