An Introduction to Vedic Mathematics

Vedic Mathematics is:

• An ancient form of mathematics in the Vedas that was used by Indians centuries before Newton invented calculus.
• A form of math based on 16 sutras, or formulas.
• These formulas cover subtraction, multiplication, and many other operations
• These formulas are also very cohesive in that operations can be reversed and the same techniques can be used for opposite operations.

Why Sutras?

According to Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha Maharaj, the Vedas were written in Sutras because it was easy for students to memorize (and it definitely works to kids’ advantage to remember these formulas or “rules of thumb.”)Vedic Mathematics covers all areas of mathematics, even those that were thought not to exist in those times, like calculus (both differential and integral). The Pythagorean theorem was not discovered by Pythagoras: It was rediscovered by Pythagoras in Baudhayana’s Sutra: The chord which is stretched across the diagonal of a square produces an area of double the size. A similar observation pertaining to oblongs is also noted. Our Western decimal system of counting 1,2,3,4,5 etc, was not invented by Europeans. It was invented by Indians, and via the Arabs and their trade routes to Europe, it slowly spread and has now been accepted worldwide.
Indians discovered the Newton-Gauss interpolation formula, the formula for the sum of an infinite series, and many others. Though the world credits the Europeans, the Europeans, like Charles Whish of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, recognize the contribution of Indian mathematicians. Charles Whish  was one of the first Europeans to recognize that Indian mathematicians had anticipated by almost 300 years many European developments in the field of mathematics.

So what’s the use of Vedic Mathematics for me?

Vedic mathematics will tremendously enhance your speed in doing all kinds of math problems. You can calculate the square of any number that ends in 5 without going to a calculator, or pencil and paper. You’ll only need your head and mental math. That’s the beauty of Vedic math. It makes regular math a lot simpler! Stay tuned for more!