What is Vedic Maths?

What does mathematics have to do with Hinduism? Well, just as the basic principles of Hinduism lie in the Vedas, so do the roots of mathematics. The Vedas, written around 1500-900 BCE, are ancient Indian texts containing a record of human experience and knowledge. Thousands of years ago, Vedic mathematicians authored various theses and dissertations on mathematics. It is now commonly believed and widely accepted that these treatises laid down the foundations of algebra, algorithm, square roots, cube roots, various methods of calculation, and the concept of zero.

Vedic Mathematics

'Vedic Mathematics' is the name given to the ancient system of mathematics, or, to be precise, a unique technique of calculations based on simple rules and principles, with which any mathematical problem - be it arithmetic, algebra, geometry or trigonometry - can be solved, hold your breath, orally!

Vedic Math Formulas

Vedic Math essentially rests on the 16 Sutras or mathematical formulas as referred to in the Vedas.

1. Ekadhikina Purvena
   (Corollary: Anurupyena)
   Meaning: By one more than the previous one
2. Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah
   (Corollary: Sisyate Sesasamjnah)
   Meaning: All from 9 and the last from 10
   
3. Urdhva-Tiryagbyham
   (Corollary: Adyamadyenantyamantyena)
   Meaning: Vertically and crosswise
   
4. Paraavartya Yojayet
   (Corollary: Kevalaih Saptakam Gunyat)
   Meaning: Transpose and adjust
   
5. Shunyam Saamyasamuccaye
   (Corollary: Vestanam)
   Meaning: When the sum is the same that sum is zero
   
6. (Anurupye) Shunyamanyat
   (Corollary: Yavadunam Tavadunam)
   Meaning: If one is in ratio, the other is zero
   
7. Sankalana-vyavakalanabhyam
   (Corollary: Yavadunam Tavadunikritya Varga Yojayet)
   Meaning: By addition and by subtraction
   
8. Puranapuranabyham
   (Corollary: Antyayordashake'pi)
   Meaning: By the completion or non-completion
   
9. Chalana-Kalanabyham
   (Corollary: Antyayoreva)
   Meaning: Differences and Similarities
10. Yaavadunam
    (Corollary: Samuccayagunitah)
    Meaning: Whatever the extent of its deficiency
    
11. Vyashtisamanstih
    (Corollary: Lopanasthapanabhyam)
    Meaning: Part and Whole
    
12. Shesanyankena Charamena
    (Corollary: Vilokanam)
    Meaning: The remainders by the last digit
    
13. Sopaantyadvayamantyam
    (Corollary: Gunitasamuccayah Samuccayagunitah)
    Meaning: The ultimate and twice the penultimate
14. Ekanyunena Purvena
    (Corollary: Dhvajanka)
    Meaning: By one less than the previous one
    
15. Gunitasamuchyah
    (Corollary: Dwandwa Yoga)
    Meaning: The product of the sum is equal to the sum of the product
    
16. Gunakasamuchyah
    (Corollary: Adyam Antyam Madhyam)
    Meaning: The factors of the sum is equal to the sum of the factors