Q1.What is Vedic Mathematics?

A1. Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas.

Q2. Who discovered these Vedic Methods and from where?

A2. This ancient system of Mathematics was rediscovered from the Vedas between 1911 and 1918 by Sri Bharati Krisna Tirthaji.

Q3. What is the most significant feature of the Vedic Mathematics?

A3. The most striking feature of the Vedic system is its coherence. Instead of a collection of unrelated techniques the whole system is beautifully interrelated and unified. These related techniques are all easily understood. This unifying quality is very fulfilling, and makes mathematics easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation.

Q4. What is the single most basic advantage of teaching Vedic Methods to students?

A4. In the Vedic system 'difficult' problems or large, complicated sums can often be solved immediately by using simple Vedic methods. These striking methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is far more systematic than the modern 'system'. Vedic Mathematics has a coherent and unified structure and the methods are complementary, direct and easy.There are many advantages in using a flexible, mental system. Students can invent their own methods; they are not limited to the one 'correct' method. This leads to more creativity.

Q5. What kinds of Arithmetic problems find application in Vedic Maths?

A5. Interest in the Vedic system is growing in education where mathematics teachers are looking for something better and finding the Vedic system is the answer. Initially, students learn the Vedic methods of doing Multiplication, Division, finding Squares, Square Roots and Cube Roots. Students who have learnt to apply Vedic Methods in his / her day to day calculation for a minimum duration of 90 days can be taught further applications of Vedic Methods, such as derivatives of the basic formulae and there after; its applications in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus. Yes, Vedic Methods find applications, in all branches of Mathematics.

Q6. On what principles is Vedic Maths based?

A6. All of Vedic mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras, or word-formulae. For example, 'Vertically and Crosswise’ is one of these Sutras. These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and therefore help in directing the student towards the appropriate method of solving a problem.

Q7. Does one need to memorize numbers and other complicated computations, in Vedic Maths?

A7. There is no need for students to memorize tables up to 20 times 20 or remember all the prime numbers up to 100, and such other facts. Vedic mathematics has its own set of systematic and scientific principles which when applied make the computation very simple and easy.The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried out mentally.

Q8. How relevant is Vedic Maths in the current school curriculum?

A8. By using Vedic methods students comes to know the answer in few seconds. They find the principles of the Vedic system systematic, simple and methodical. Research is being carried out in many areas including the effects of learning Vedic Maths on children; developing new, powerful yet easy applications of the Vedic Sutras in geometry, calculus, computing etc. It is perhaps, the most refined and efficient mathematical system possible.

Q9. The students have been used to learning a different method of solving the arithmetic problems in school. Won’t the Vedic methods be confusing, if they are taught to them?

A9. No, absolutely not. By using Vedic methods students will be able to solve the problems promptly and will be able to apply appropriate Vedic methods to solve different problems. Once they have been able to understand the application of the various ‘sutras’ or principles, they themselves will want to apply them in their day to day work, as they will find these methods simpler and faster as compared to standard computation and problem solving methods, in use currently.

Q10. With devices like calculators currently being used widely, why should there be any need for learning Vedic methods?

A10. A calculator cannot think for students. They must understand the basic principles involved in the calculations. Some times a person gets varied answers while using a calculator. For example while solving a problem like: “Two plus three times four equals…..?” By using a calculator a student may get “20” as an answer, others may get an answer of “14”. Therefore simple computational tools are not enough. An understanding of the problem and the correct application of a method are both very essential.

Q11. What are the advantages of applying Vedic Maths technique as against using other methods/ tools; such as the Abacus?

A11. No doubt, Abacus is a nice tool for teaching Mathematics that has originated in China. However, there are certain shortcomings. Firstly, students cannot learn it without the use of an Abacus, an instrument which contains beads. Secondly, it takes a long time to learn its application for addition and subtraction and thereafter using these applications in Multiplication and Division. As against this, a student can learn the basic principles and methods of Vedic Mathematics, and apply them in problems relating to Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Square, Square Root and Cube Root, in as little as 12 sessions. Besides, there is no dependency on instruments such as the calculator or an abacus.

Q12. How does Vedic Mathematics help a student in the present scenario?

A12. Many times when a student secures less marks in Mathematic, and is ask the reason for it, he / she says “I could not complete the paper in time” or “I could complete the paper, but could not get enough time to correct my mistakes.” By using Vedic methods students can complete their work in a shorter period of time.