VEDIC MATHEMATICS

INTRODUCTION:

India has a rich heritage in science, philosophy, culture and we are proud of it. The ancient Indians took great strides
in the field of mathematics long before the Greek dominance. They made some very fundamental contributions like
the introduction of the place-value system and the introduction of zero. India’s another gift to the world is Vedic
Mathematics. Vedic Mathematics is a collection of 16 Sutras and 13 Upa-Sutras that enables us to solve seemingly
difficult calculations in split seconds. These Sutras were first compiled by Indian mathematician Jagadguru Shri
Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji in his book ‘Vedic Mathematics’. According to the author, these sutras were retrieved from
the Vedas.

HISTORY:

Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji was the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Math, Puri from 1925 until he passed away in
1960. His book ‘Vedic Mathematics’ was published posthumously, but he had been carrying out a campaign on the
theme for a long time, apparently for several decades, by means of lectures, blackboard demonstrations, classes and
so on.

SUTRAS:

1. Ekadhikena Purvena
It means “by one more than one before”. This sutra is mainly used in following cases:

1. To square the numbers ending in 5:

Consider the number 35. We need to find the square of 35
Here, the last digit is 5; and the "previous" digit -- is 3. Now, the Sutra, in this context tells us to multiply the
previous digit (3) by one more than itself (i.e., by 4), So the left-hand side becomes 3 * 4 (= 12); and the right-
hand side becomes ‘25’.
So,
352 = (3*4)/25 = 1225
552 = (5*6)/25 = 3025
1652 = (16*17)/25 = 27225

2. For the multiplication of two numbers whose last digits add to 10 and the previous part is same:
The same procedure is to be applied here.
Consider 24 x 26:
The unit digits (4 and 6) add to 10 and the previous part (2) is same. The product of the last digits form the right-
hand side while the previous part (2) multiplied by one more than itself (i.e., by 3) form the left hand side.
So,
24 * 26 = (2 * 3)/(4 * 6) = 624
32 * 38 = (3 * 4)/(2 * 8) = 1216

3. Vulgar fractions whose denominators are numbers ending in 9:

We now take examples of 1 / a9, where a = 1, 2, -----, 9. In the conversion of such vulgar fractions into recurring
decimals, this process can be effectively used both in division and multiplication.

Consider 1/19:

A] The First Method:

The first method is by means of multiplication by the "Ekadhika Purva" i.e., the number which is just one more
than the penultimate digit in this case.
Here the last digit is 9. For 1 / 19, 'previous' of 19 is 1. And one more than of it is 1 + 1 = 2. Therefore 2 is the
multiplier for the conversion. We write the last digit in the numerator as 1 and proceed leftward continuously
multiplying by 2 until a repetition of the whole operation begins. Then, we can put up the usual recurring marks
(dots) and stop further multiplication.

Step 1: 1
Step 2: 21 (1 * 2 = 2, put to left)
Step 3: 421 (2 * 2 = 4, put to left)
Step 4: 8421 (4 * 2 = 8, put to left)
Step 5: 168421 (8 * 2 = 16, 1 carried over, 6 put to left)

Step 6: 1368421 (6 * 2 =12, +1 [carry] = 13, 1 carried over, 3 put to left)

Step 7: 7368421 (3 * 2 = 6, + 1 [carry] = 7, put to left)

We follow this procedure continually until we reach the 18th digit (counting leftwards from the right), when we
see that the whole decimal has begun to repeat itself. We therefore put up the usual recurring marks and end
our multiplication there.
_________________________________________________

The final result is: 1/19 = 0.052631578947368421

B] The Second Method:

The second method is of division by the self-same "Ekadhika Purva" (which is 2 in this context). The only
difference is that the operation of division should proceed, not from right to left but in the exactly opposite
direction (i.e., from left to right)

Step 1: 0.10 (1 / 20 = 0, 1 remainder) (we divide numerator by denominator + 1)

Step 2: 0.005 (10 / 2 = 5, 0 remainder)
Step 3: 0.0512 (5 / 2 = 2, 1 remainder)
Step 4: 0.0526 (12 / 2 = 6, 0 remainder)
Step 5: 0.05263 (6 / 2 = 3, 0 remainder)
Step 6: 0.0526311 (3 / 2 = 1, 1 remainder)
Step 7: 0.0526315 (11/2 = 5, 1 remainder)

We continue this process until we reach the digit with what we began with. This means that the decimal begins
to repeat itself from here. So, we stop the division process and put down the recurring symbol in the result.
______________________________________

The final result is: 1/19 = 0.052631578947368421

2. Nikhilam Navatascaramam Dasatah:

The formula means: “all from 9 and the last from 10”. The formula can be very effectively applied in multiplication of
numbers, which are nearer to the powers of 10. The difference between the number and the base is termed as
deviation. Deviation may be positive or negative. Positive deviation is written without the positive sign and the
negative deviation is written using vinculum (a bar on the number) or a minus ‘-’ sign.

Suppose we have to multiply 95 by 90.

We take 100 as our base as it is the closest to 95 and 90. We write them down in a vertical line and write their
deficiency or excess from the considered base in another vertical line (with proper + or – sign).
Now, the left-hand-side digit (or the answer) can be arrived at by cross multiplying the excess or deficiency (i.e., 95 +
(-10) = 90 + (-5) = 85). For the right-hand side, we multiply the excess/deficiency considering the sign (i.e., (-5) * (-10)
= 50).

Final result: 95 | -5
90 | -10
85 | 50 = 8550
The required number of digits in the righthand side can be simply expressed as the number of zeroes in our
considered base (i.e., there should be 2 digits for 100 as base, 3 for 1000 and so on). Sometimes on multiplying the
excess/deficiency, the result can have more or less than the required number of digits. In those cases, we either
carry the excess digits from the RHS to the LHS (in case there is excess digits) or we add zeroes to fill the vacant
places (if there is a deficiency of digits). Thus:

997 * 995: (base 1000) 88 * 91: (base 100) 102 * 110: (base 100) 998 * 1005: (base 1000)
997 | -3 88 | -12 102 | +2 998 | -2
995 | -5 91 | -9 110 | +10 1005| +5
992 | 015 78 | 108 112 | 20 1003| -007
= 992015 = 7908 = 11220 = 1003-1|1000 – 7 = 1002993

3. Urdhva – Tiryagbhyam:
It is applicable to all cases of multiplication and also in the division of a large number by another large number. It
translates to "vertically and crosswise".

Consider 14 * 23

The units digit of both terms (i.e., 4 and 3) multiplied (4 * 3 = 12). So, the right hand most part of the answer is 2 and
we have a carry of 1. Now, we diagonally multiply the digits of both numbers and add them up (3 * 1 = 3; 4 * 2 = 8; 8
+ 3 = 11 [+1 carry] = 12). Hence second digit of the answer is 2 and we have a carry of 1. Now, multiply the second
digit of both terms and add the carry, if any (2 * 1 = 2 [+1 carry] = 3). It gives the left hand most part of the answer.
Thus, the answer is 322.

We follow the same procedure for bigger numbers:

Consider 312 * 124. From right towards left, the digits of result are:
First digit = 4 * 2 = 8
Second digit = (4 * 1) + (2 * 2) = 8 REPRESENTATION
Third digit = (4 * 3) + (1 * 2) + (2 * 1) = 16 (6 is placed, 1 is carried over)
Fourth digit = (3 * 2) + (1 * 1) + 1 [carry] = 8
Fifth digit = (3 * 1) = 3

Final result = 38688

4. Paravartya Yojayet
It means ‘transpose and apply’. This is used for division when the divisor is slightly above powers of 10

Consider 1226 / 12.

We write down the divisor leaving the first digit, and write the other digit or digits using negative (-) sign and place
them below the divisor. The, we write down the dividend to the right, setting apart the last digit for the remainder.

We bring down the first digit of the dividend (1). Then, we multiply that digit (1) with (–2) to
get -2 and add it with the next digit of the dividend (2) getting 0 (2 – 2 = 0). We bring
down the zero. Continuing this process, we get the quotient to be 102 and the remainder to
be 2.

5. Sunyam Samya Samuccaye

This Sutra says ‘when the Samuccaya is the same, that Samuccaya is zero'. The term 'Samuccaya' has different
meanings under different contexts.
A] First Meaning: We interpret, 'Samuccaya' as a term which occurs as a common factor in all the terms concerned.
For example: In equation 2x + 3x = 7x + 8x, ‘x’ occurs in all the terms and so x = 0 according to this sutra. Further, in
equation 7(x+3) = 2(x+3), (x+3) occurs in all the terms. So, x + 3 = 0 or, x = -3.

B] Second Meaning: We interpret 'Samuccaya' as product of independent terms in expressions like (x+a)(x+b). In
(x+4)(x-6) = (x-3)(x+8), we see 4 * -6 = 3 * -8 = -24. So, we can say x = 0.

C] Third Meaning: We interpret 'Samuccaya' as the sum of the denominators of two fractions having the same
(numerical) numerator. 1/(2x-1) + 1/(3x – 1) = 0 so, 2x-1 + 3x-1 = 0 or, x = 2/5

D] Fourth Meaning: We interpret 'Samuccaya' as combination or total. If the sum of the numerators and the sum of
the denominators be the same (or an integral multiple of the other), then that sum = 0. In (x+3)/(2x+3)=(3x+1)(2x+1),
N1 + N2 = D1 + D2 = 4x + 4. So, 4x + 4 = 0 or, x = -1

E] Fifth Meaning: This applies to quadratic equations. If N1 + N2 = D1 + D2 and also the differences N1 ~ D1 = N2 ~ D2
then both the things (sum and difference) are equated to zero, giving us both values for x. Consider (3x + 4)/(6x+7) =
(5x+6)/(2x+3), N1 + N2 = D1 + D2 = 8x + 10; so, x = -5/4. Further N1 ~ D1 = -3(x + 1) and N2 ~ D2 = 3(x+1). So, x + 1 = 0
or, x = -1

F] Sixth Meaning: This is the same interpretation as ‘total’ but is used in a different context. Consider 1/(2x + 1) +
1/(3x – 2) = 1/(x + 2) + 1/(4x – 3). We see, D1 + D2 = D3 + D4 = 5x – 1. So, 5x - 1 = 0 or, x = 1/5.

6. Anurupye Sunyam Anyat

This sutra says: 'If one is in ratio, the other one is zero'. We use this Sutra to solve a special type of simultaneous
simple equations in which the coefficients of one variable are in the same ratio to each other as the independent
terms are to each other. In such a context the other variable is zero.

Consider this set of equations: 3x + 5y = 2, 6x + 4y = 4. We see that 3 : 6 (ratio of coefficients of x) = 2 : 4 (ratio of

constant terms). So, by this sutra, the other variable, y = 0. Now we are left with a simple equation 3x = 2 or, x = -2/3.

7. Sankalana - Vyavakalanabhyam
This Sutra means 'by addition and by subtraction'. It is used to solve a special kind of simultaneous equations where
the x and y coefficients are found to be interchanged.
Consider the set of equations: 3x + 4y = 16; 4x + 3y = 12
As the name says, we add and subtract both equations. We get:
3x + 4y + 4x + 3y = 16 + 12 or, x + y = 4
3x + 4y – (4x + 3y) = 16 – 12 or, y – x = 4
So, y = 4 and x = 0.

8. Puranapuranabhyam
The Sutra means ‘by the completion or non – completion’. Purana is akin to the procedure of ‘completing the
square’, a common process for solving the roots of a quadratic equation.

Consider x3 + 15x2 + 74x + 120 = 0.

We know (x + 5)3 = x3 + 15x2 + 75x + 125. We add x + 5 to both sides of our equation.
x3 + 15x2 + 70x + 100 + x + 5 = x + 5
or, (x + 5)3 = (x + 5)
or, (x + 5) = 0, 1, -1 (as it is of format y3 = y where y = x + 5)
or, x = -4, -5, -6

9. Calana - Kalanabhyam
This Sutra means 'Sequential motion'. In the first instance it is used to find the roots of a quadratic equation 7x 2 – 11x
– 7 = 0. This sutra has been called as the calculus formula by the author. Its application at that point is as follows. By
calculus formula we say that the first differential of the equation is the square of the discriminant of the same
equation, i.e., (14x – 11)2 = 317.

10. Yavadunam
The meaning of the Sutra is 'whatever the deficiency, subtract that deficit from the number and write alongside the
square of that deficit'. This Sutra can be applicable to obtain squares of numbers close to bases of powers of 10.

Consider 962. Considering 100 as our base, the deficit is 4. So, the answer is (96 – 4)/(4 2) = 9216

Similarly, for numbers higher than the base, we add the excess to the number. Also, in some cases, we either carry
the excess digits from the RHS to the LHS (in case there is excess digits) or we add zeroes to fill the vacant places (if
there is a deficiency of digits).

Consider 1122. Base = 100, excess = 12. So, answer is (112 + 12)/(12 2) = 124/144 = 12544.

11. Vyastisamastih (also called Lopanasthapanabhyam)

It means ‘part and whole’ or ‘by alternate elimination and retention’. This sutra enables us to factorise a
homogeneous equation of second degree in three variables x, y, z, i.e., ax 2 +by2 + cz2 + dxy + eyz + fzx.

The steps are as follows:

i) Eliminate z by putting z = 0 and factorize thus obtained a quadratic in x and y

ii) Similarly eliminate y and factorize the quadratic in x and z.
iii) Combine both sets of factors to fill in the gaps caused by the elimination process. This gives actual factors.

Consider 3x2 + 7xy + 2y2 + 11xz + 7yz + 6z2 = 0.

Eliminating z, we have: 3x2 + 7xy + 2y2 = 0 or, (x + 2y)(3x + y) = 0
Eliminating y, we have: 3x2 + 11xz + 6z2 = 0 or, (3x + 2z)(x + 3z) = 0
Combining both factors we get: (3x + y + 2z)(x + 2y + 3z) = 0

12. Sesanyakena Caramena

This Sutra means “The remainders by the last digit”. This sutra is used to express proper fractions in decimal
notation. We multiply the numerator by 10 and divide it by the denominator. If the remainder is not 1, we multiply
the remainder by 10 and again divide it by the denominator. This process continues until the remainder becomes 1.
Then we multiply the remainders by the denominator and put down the last digits in proper order. This is our
answer.

Consider we want to find decimal value of 2/7. It is a proper fraction so this rule is applicable.

Step 1: 2 * 10 = 20; 20 / 7 = 6 (remainder)

Step 2: 6 * 10 = 60; 60 / 7 = 4 (remainder)
Step 3: 4 * 10 = 40; 40 / 7 = 5 (remainder)
Step 4: 5 * 10 = 50; 50 / 7 = 1 (remainder)

The remainders are 6, 4, 5 and 1. Multiplying these by 7, we get successively 42, 28, 35 and 7. We simply put down
the last digit of each product and we get 2/7 = 0.2857 which is a decently good approximation of the actual value.

13. Sopantyadvayamantyam
This sutra means ‘the ultimate and twice the penultimate’. This Sutra is used to find solution of equations in the
following form: 1/AB + 1/AC = 1/AD + 1/BC, where A, B, C and D are in arithmetic progression.
The solution for such equations is L + 2P (last + 2 * penultimate) = D + 2C = 0.
Consider: 1/(x+1)(x+2) + 1/(x +1)(x+3) = 1/(x+1)(x + 4) + 1/(x+2)(x +3)
Now, according to the sutra the solution is:
2(x +3) + (x+4) = 0 or, 3x + 10 = 0 or, x= -10/3

14. Ekanyunena Purvena:

This Sutra comes as a Sub-sutra to Nikhilam and it relates to and provides for multiplications wherein the multiplier-
digits consist entirely of nines (9, 99, 999, …).

The lefthand side is obtained by applying by deduction 1 from the multiplicand (i.e., the ekanyunena purvena) and
the righthand side digit is the difference between the multiplier and the obtained lefthand side.

Consider 273 * 999. The left-hand side of the product is 273 – 1 = 272 and the right-hand side becomes 999 – 272 =
727. So, the final number becomes: 272727

15. Gunitasamuccayah
It means ‘the product of the sum is equal to the sum of the product’. It says that the sc of the product is the same as
the product of the sc of the factors. [sc means the sum of all the coefficients]

Suppose we have to factorize x3 + 6x2 + 11x + 6 and by some method, we know (x + 1) to be a factor. We first use
observation and thus mechanically put down x 2 and 6 as the first and the last coefficients in the quotient. But we
know already that the sc of the given expression is 24 and as the sc of (x + 1) = 2.
We know by this sutra that the sc of the quotient must be 12. As the first and the last digits of the same are already
known to be 1 and 6, the middle term must have the coefficient of 12 – (6 + 1) = 5. So, the quotient x 2 + 5x + 6.

16. Gunakasamuccayah
It means ‘the factors of the sum are equal to the sum of the factors’. It is useful in the factorization of cubics,
biquadratics if and when some factors are known as this rule helps us to fill in the gaps.
Consider (x + 7) (x + 9) = x2 + 16 x + 63. We see (1 + 7) (1 + 9) = 1 + 16 + 63 = 80. Similarly, in (x + 1) (x + 2) (x + 3) = x 3 +
6x2 + 11 x + 6 2 × 3 × 4 = 1 + 6 + 11 + 6 = 24.
This sutra can also be used to verify the correctness of an expansion/factorisation in the same manner.

COMPARISON WITH ABACUS:

Abacus is a rectangular tool with beads in it used for the purpose of counting and calculations. Both Vedic math and
abacus are equally valuable. The primary difference between them being that Vedic mathematics can be easily
learned in 8-12 months whereas abacus requires 2-3 years to reach the same calculation speed. However, unlike
Vedic mathematics, abacus is a set of uniform techniques which does not depend on some special cases to be
applicable. Another disadvantage of abacus is that it requires a tool in initial phases. Carrying a tool along with may
become inconvenient in some cases. Vedic Mathematics does not require any such special tool as all the calculations
are done in mind.

Abacus prepares the children to do calculations at a lightning speed and Vedic math does the same by showing tricks
to solve problems. Though both helps in building math's speed and accuracy, the abacus only covers arithmetic but
Vedic math covers more than arithmetic.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Getting a hold in Vedic Mathematics will reduce the time taken and can reduce the calculations into a simple mental
one. This mathematics is unique and totally unconventional, making it easy and enjoyable for learning. Anyone can
get decently good in Vedic ways in a small period of time. It also increases the mental eligibility, efficiency, and the
ability of our mind to focus.

CRITICISM:

Revolutionary as it seems, these Vedic Methods turn out to be quicker only for some specific cases. This prevents
their adoption for any practical purposes. Without having the ability to spontaneously recognise the various patterns
in the problem, one would actually spend more time, in first trying to recognise patterns and then working on them.
Besides, equipment such as calculators and computers have made it unnecessary to tax one’s mind with arithmetical
computations.

Although many expert mathematicians praise these methods, most of them feel that they are neither ‘Vedic’ nor
‘Mathematics’. The Sutras that Tirthaji claims to have retrieved from the Vedas are not found anywhere in it.
Branches of mathematics like algebra, calculus and the concept of decimal fractions had not been discovered yet in
the Vedic Period. These Sutras cannot be dignified in the name of mathematics as well as these are actually a set of
tricks in elementary arithmetic and algebra and have nothing to do with the ancient mathematical techniques.
Hence the name ‘Vedic Mathematics’ is entirely wrong and factually incorrect although there is nothing intrinsically
wrong with the easy methods of calculations given in the book.

CONCLUSION:

The Vedic ways present before us a totally new, creative and unconventional aspect of mathematics which apart
from being fun and surprising, increases our calculation speed and accuracy. The applications of these Sutras are
manifold. The serious mathematical issues, higher level mathematical problems are not taken up in this work, even
though many aspects like squaring, cubing, linear equations, simultaneous equations. factorization, H.C.F, recurring
decimals, coordinate geometry, etc are dealt with in Tirthaji’s book.

Nevertheless, these techniques are quite useful and can reduce complex calculations to simple one. Many of the
algorithms have been tested for efficiency, with positive results.

REFERENCES:

[Link]/

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S. G. Dani (December 2006). "Myths and reality : On ‘Vedic mathematics’ [Link]

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Shri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji, Vedic Mathematics, Motilal Banarasidass, New Delhi, 1965,
[Link]/~sohum/ma330/files/manuscripts/Tirthaji_S.B.K.,_Agarwala_V.S.-
Vedic_mathematics_or_sixteen_simple_mathematical_formulae_from_the_Vedas-
Orient_Book_Distributors_1981.pdf

Das, Subhamoy. "The 16 Sutras of Vedic Math." Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, [Link]/vedic-math-
formulas-1770680.

W. B. Vasantha Kandasamy, Florentin Smarandache (2006) ‘VEDIC MATHEMATICS - ‘VEDIC’ OR ‘MATHEMATICS’: A

FUZZY & NEUTROSOPHIC ANALYSIS’, [Link]/ftp/math/papers/0611/[Link]

Hemamalini, K & Indhu, V & Prabha, S & Ramasamy, Senthil Ganesh. (2018). Review of Vedic Sutras.

[Link]/publication/348448220_Review_of_Vedic_Sutras

Jan Hogendijk, March 2004, ‘Vedic Mathematics and the Calculations of Guru Tirthaji’