Vedic Maths - the
Finest Mental Math Method in the World.
Today we can define “MENTAL MATH”
in various different ways. Some would say, memorizing tables and remembering
the solutions can form the part of mental mathematics. Some would say ability
to perform simple calculations in your head can be mental mathematics. The web
dictionary defines mental mathematics as, “Computing an exact answer without
using pencil and paper or other physical aids".
There are 5 popular mental math
methods which are prevalent throughout the world – Rote Memorising Method (most commonly practiced), Kumon Maths Method, High Speed Vedic Maths, Trachtenberg Maths and Abacus Method. Knowble, through its
various modules of Brain Power Enhancement Program, delivers Vedic Maths,
Trachtenberg Maths and Abacus for improving Mental Math ability of students.
Vedic Maths, taken from Atharv-veda,
and further simplified by Shri Bharti Krishna Tirtha is considered as best
among all 5 methods. In words of Mr.
Gaurav Tekriwal, The President of
the Vedic Maths Forum India:
“Vedic Maths system focuses on improving
intelligence by teaching fundamentals and alternate methods. The purpose is not
limited to improving performance in the school or tests, but on providing a
broader outlook resulting in improved mathematical intelligence and mental
sharpness.”
Introduction:
“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 !!
A quote from Shri Bharati Krishna Tirtha:-
“On
seeing the kind of work actually being performed by little children; the
doctors, professors and other ‘big-guns’ of mathematics are wonder struck and
exclaim: “Is this mathematics or magic?” And we invariably answer and say: “It
is both it is magic until you understand it, and it is mathematics thereafter”
“Sutras”
Natural Formulae:
In Sanskrit; the ancient language
of India, the word sutra means “thread
of knowledge”. In English we have the word “suture” from sutra and a suture
is the thread used for stitching wounds together. So each rule is a thread of
knowledge and the whole subject is based on these sutras.
The Vedic Math system is based on
16 Vedic Sutras together with 13
sub-sutras 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 and last from 10”, and “Vertically and Crosswise”. These 16 one line
formulas originally written in Sanskrit, which can be easily memorized, enable
one to solve long mathematical problems quickly.
Why Sutras?
Shri Bharti Krishna Tirtha Maharaj, the Pioneer in the field, who
compiled sixteen sutras and unleashed this wonderful science to the world,
wrote about this special use of verses in the Vedic Age: “In order to keep the
pupil memorize the material assimilated, they made a general rule practice to
write even the most technical and abstruse textbooks in sutras or in verse
(which is so much easier-even for children to memorize)”
So, from this standpoint they
used the verse for lightning the burden and facilitating the work.
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 range of particular
applications and may be likened to a programmed chip of our computer age”.
Another Vedic Math enthusiast, Clive Middleton feels, “These formulae describes the way the mind
naturally work, and are therefore a great help in directing the students to the
appropriate method of solution”.
A Simple
and Easy System:
A practitioner of this striking
method of mathematical problem solving says that Vedic Math is far more
systematic, coherent and unified than the Conventional system. It is mental
tool for calculations that encourages the development and use of intuition and
innovation while giving the student a lot of flexibility, fun and satisfaction.
Together, it’s direct and easy to implement in schools- a reason behind its
enormous popularity among educationist and academicians.
Plus
Points- Advantages/Benefits:
There are many advantages of using a flexible, refined and
efficient mental system like Vedic Math.
§
Pupils can come out of the confinement of the
“only one correct” way, and make their own methods under the Vedic system.
Thus, it can induce creativity in intelligent pupil, while helping the slow
learners grasp the basic concepts of mathematics.
§
A wider use of Vedic Mathematics can undoubtedly
generate interest in a subject that is generally dreaded by children.
§
Utilizing the technique was derived from these sutras;
calculations can be done with incredible ease and simplicity in one’s head in a
fraction of the time required by modern means.
§
Calculations normally requiring as many as a
hundred steps can be done by the Vedic method in one single simple step.
§
Vedic Mathematics is great fun. This is
particularly useful for young students who might otherwise early lose interest.
§
Takes you away from the current ‘blanket’
methods of calculation, which have been adopted by most of the schools.
§
Vedic methods to children have shown that a
higher degree of mathematical ability can be attained from an early age.
§
Vedic Maths help in boosting up a child’s
confidence by making him believe that “nothing is impossible”
Vedic Maths in Schools:
Quite a few years ago, St. James School, London, and other
schools began to teach the Vedic System, with notable success. Today this
remarkable system is taught in many schools and institutes in India and abroad,
and even to MBA and economics students. Interest in Vedic Mathematics is growing
in the field of education where Maths teachers are looking for a new and better
approach to the subject. Even it is said that NASA is using Vedic Maths in its
research on ‘artificial intelligence’. Vedic Math system becomes essential for
a student appearing for his regular examinations or any sort of competitive
examinations, like CAT, MAT, IAS, PMT, PET etc.
