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What is Vedic Maths?
Vedic Maths is an ancient system of mathematics that simplifies complex calculations using unique techniques. It was rediscovered in the early 20th century by Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha. Unlike conventional math, which relies on memorization and long procedures, Vedic Maths focuses on mental calculations and shortcut methods.
History and Origins of Vedic Maths
Vedic Maths comes from the Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas written around 1500–500 BCE. It was rediscovered by Swami Bharati Krishna Tirthaji (1884–1960), a Sanskrit scholar and mathematician. He identified 16 core Sutras (formulas) and 13 Sub-Sutras (corollaries) that simplify even the most complex calculations.
These Sutras are based on natural mathematical principles rather than memorization, making them easier to grasp and apply.
The Importance of Speed Mathematics
In today’s fast-paced world, being able to perform quick calculations is a valuable skill. Whether you’re a student, professional, or businessperson, speed math techniques help save time and improve efficiency. Vedic Maths provides a structured approach to mastering quick arithmetic, including multiplication.
The Base Method of Multiplication
The base method of multiplication in Vedic Maths is called “Base Multiplication” or “Nikhilam Sutra” (Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah), which means “All from 9 and the last from 10.” This is the second sutra in Vedic Maths.
This method is particularly useful when multiplying numbers close to a power of 10 (like 10, 100, 1000, etc.).
How Does the Base Method Help With Multiplication?
The Base Method is one of the most powerful multiplication techniques in Vedic Maths. It allows you to multiply numbers close to a base (such as 10, 100, or 1000) using simple calculations. This method minimizes the steps needed to reach the answer, making multiplication faster and more accurate.
Steps to Multiply Using the Base Method:
- Choose the nearest base (10, 100, 1000, etc.).
- Find the deviations (how much each number is more or less than the base).
- Add or subtract any one number and deviation crosswise depending on the sign of the deviation to get the left part of the answer.
- Multiply the deviations to get the right part of the answer.
Let’s simplify this method using single-digit numbers for ease of understanding.
Let’s try to multiply 9 and 7 using this method.
Our first step is to look for the nearest base. Since both numbers are close to 10, that will be our base.
Now, we find deviations and write them on the right side of both numbers.
| 9 | -1 |
| 7 | -3 |
Now we need to look at the sign of the deviations, since both are negative, we can subtract both crosswise. Look at the numbers and pick the one that’s easiest for you.
So you could either do,
$9-3=6$, or,
$7-1=6$
So, we write 6 on the left side.
| 9 | -1 |
| 7 | -3 |
| 6 |
In any case, your answer for this step would be 6.
Now, for the next step, we multiply the deviations.
So, we multiply -1 and -3. This gives us +3 to put on the right side.
| 9 | -1 |
| 7 | -3 |
| 6 | 3 |
That’s it. That’s our final answer: 63.
Ok, so now that we have our basis clear, let’s take a complicated example to solve. Let’s multiply 62 and 273.
So, for our base, we take 100 as that’s the nearest base to both.
Now, let’s calculate our deviations.
| 62 | -38 |
| 273 | +173 |
Next, let’s decide if we want to add or subtract. For ease of explanation, we’ll do both here, but you can choose any one depending on what you find easy.
- 62+173=235
- 273-38=235
Now, let’s add this number to our table.
| 62 | -38 |
| 273 | +173 |
| 235 |
Next, we multiply the deviations,
- (-38)x(+173)= (-6574)
Uh-Oh, we have a negative number for the right side, what do we do?
Not to panic, we just need a few more steps. But first, let’s write our answer in the table.
| 62 | -38 |
| 273 | +173 |
| 235 | -6574 |
Now, just because we have a negative number of the right, we need to do a couple of additional steps.
- Multiply the number on the left with the base.
- Once you get the answer to the above, subtract the number on the right from it.
Let’s do it, our base is 100.
So, 235 x 100 = 23500
Now, we subtract 6574 from it.
23500 – 6574 = 16926.
That’s it!
That’s our answer.
Conclusion
The Base Method of Multiplication Using Vedic Maths is a game-changer for fast and accurate calculations. Whether you’re a student, professional, or math enthusiast, mastering this technique will enhance your numerical skills. Start practicing today to unlock the power of Vedic Maths!
