Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Introduction to Vedic Mathematics

Introduction

Today most of the times mathematics is learnt as a routine process to acquire a degree except for a few instances. But everybody should appreciate the beauty of mathematics and realize the importance of learning the same. A very narrow perspective to know a thing which is very vast and immense itself spoils the joy of learning it.

Vedic Mathematics widens the perspective of viewing at and knowing mathematics. It enhances the intelligence by widening the learner’s perspective and improving one’s logical assessment ; skill in approaching problems in different ways and arriving at the right solutions quickly. Vedic Mathematics simplifies and reveals mathematics in a different light. It bypasses the customary, complicated steps in solving problems and shows quick methods in solving the same.

His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha Swamiji found mathematics in the appendix of Atharva Veda and based on that he formulated sixteen simple aphorisms (Sutras). Swamiji later showed that these Sutras can be applied to solve each and every problem of mathematics easily.

Swamiji said “ These 16 sutras apply and cover each and every part of each and every chapter of each and every branch of mathematics – including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, conics, astronomy, calculus etc. In fact there is no part of mathematics – pure or applied – which is beyond their jurisdiction”

Important features of Vedic Mathematics:

1. There are 16 sutras. These sutras are simple sentences which can be easily understood, remembered and applied.

2. A problem can be solved in different methods using different sutras. This gives an option for the student to choose the easiest method.

3. The numerals greater than 5 are converted into less than 5, without changing the values. So all the arithmetic computations will become much easier. E.g. If the student knows the multiplication table up to 5 x 5 , it is sufficient.

4. There are very easy verification techniques in Vedic Mathematics. So, a student can verify the results instantly.

5. It saves precious time in solving the problems. Most of the times it looks like magic.

6. It can be learnt in a very short span of time.


Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha Swamiji Maharaja

His holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha Swamiji was born of highly learned and pious parents in March 1884 at Tinnavelli (Madras Presidency) Swamiji, named as Venkataramana in his early days, was an exceptionally brilliant student.

He was awarded with title of “SARASWATI” because of his extraordinary proficiency in Sanskrit and oratory skills, when he was just 16 years.

After winning the highest place in B.A. Examination, Sri Venkatarama Saraswati passed his MA Examination in 7 subjects simultaneously scoring the highest honour in all , which is a world record even today. His subjects included Sanskrit, Philosophy, English, Mathematics, History and Science.

He served as principal in few colleges. Even though he was expert in many fields, his prime interest was in philosophy. In 1908, therefore, he proceeded to the Sringeri mutt to lay himself at the feet of the renowned late Jagdguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Satchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Swamiji.

Next eight years he spent in the profoundest study of the most advanced Vedanta and Vedas and scriptures. During this period, by meditation and by intuition, swamiji formulated the concept of Vedic Mathematics. He postulated from the Appendix of Atharva Veda, the Sixteen Sutras of Vedic Mathematics.

Later he became Shankaracharya of Govardhan peetham, Puri.

Swamiji had written 16 volumes on Vedic Mathematics but at present only one introductory volume is available.

Swamiji was a spiritual seer, philosopher, great mathematician . His work on Vedic Mathematics is really a precious gift to the world of mathematics and to the whole mankind.

16 Sutras of Vedic Mathematics

( Ekadhikena Purvena)
One more than the previous
( Nikhilam Navatah Charamam Dashatah)
All from 9 and Last from 10
(Urdhwa Tiryagbhyaam)
By vertically and cross wise
(Paraavartya Yojayet)
Transpose and apply
(Shunyam Samya Samuchchaye)
The summation is equal to zero
(Anurupye Shunyamanyat)
If one is in proportion the other one is zero
(Samkalana Vyavakalanabhyam)
By addtition and subtraction
(Puranaapuranaabhyam)
By completion and non-completion
(Chalana kalanaabhyaam)
By sequential motion
( Yavadunam)
The deficiency
(Vyashtisamshtihi)
Whole as one and one as whole
(Sheshanyamkena charamena)
Remainder by the last digit
(Sopantya dwayamanyam)
Ultimate and twice the penultimate
(Eka nyunena purvena)
By one less than the previous
Gunita Samuchchayah)
The whole product is same
(Gunaka Samuchchayah)
Collectivity of multiples.

Swamiji has stated 16 Sub-sutras also. They will be explained where ever they are used.
I am trying to upload videos instead of notes on topics of Vedic Mathematics. Because it is easy to watch the video and learn and it saves more time!

3 comments:

  1. Hi.. Thanks for this informative article. I really liked it. I also

    came across this similar site with nice articles and videos on vedic

    prinicples - http://www.vich

    ReplyDelete
  2. hi,sir, thanks for letting us know about vedic maths i wanted to know where r the rest 15 volumes of vedic maths? is it that the britishers took it with them?

    i think we should share more & more about out ancient vedic maths & our young generation must know & bring back the lost glory of our country!

    i thank u once again!

    ReplyDelete
  3. where I will get the full version of Vedic Mathematics book.

    ReplyDelete