1. What is Vedic Mathematics or Fast Math ?

Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Indian Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas between 1911 and 1918 by Sri Bharati Krisna Tirthaji (1884-1960).

 According to his research all of mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras, or word-formulae.

The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried out mentally and within seconds .

2. What are the 16 sutras / formulae ?

The Vedic (Fast) Math Sixteen Sutras:

Below are the Vedic (Fast) Math Sixteen Sutras in details along with their Sanskrit names.

Sr.No

Sutra

Meaning

1

Ekadhikena Purvena

By one more than the previous one

2

Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah

All from 9 and the last from 10

3

Urdhva-Tiryagbyham

Vertically and crosswise

4

Paravartya Yojayet

Transpose and adjust

5

Shunyam Saamyasamuccaye

When the sum is the same that sum is zero

6

Anurupye Shunyamanyat

If one is in ratio, the other is zero

7

Sankalana-vyavakalanabhyam

By addition and by subtraction

8

Puranapuranabyham

By the completion or non-completion

9

Chalana-Kalanabyham

Differences and Similarities

10

Yavadunam

Whatever the extent of its deficiency

11

Vyashtisamasthi

Part and Whole

12

Shesanyankena Charamena

The remainders by the last digit

13

Sopaantyadvayamantyam

The ultimate and twice the penultimate

14

Ekanyunena Purvena

By one less than the previous one

15

Gunitasamuchyah

The product of the sum is equal to the sum of the product

16

Gunakasamuchyah

The factors of the sum is equal to the sum of the factors

3.What are the features of Vedic (Fast) math ?

1) Coherence :
 It is systematic and logically connected . 
 It makes mathematics easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation.
 
2) Flexibility :
The flexibility of vedic(fast) math adds to the fun and gives children the freedom to choose their own approach. 
This in turn leads to the development of creativity and intuition.
                          
3) Mental Calculation improves Memory :
The ease and simplicity of Vedic (Fast) Math means that calculations can be carried out mentally.
Children can invent their own methods which leads to more creative, interested and intelligent child.
It also leads to improve memory and greater mental agility.

4) Promotes Creativity : 
All these features of Vedic(Fast) Math encourage students to be creative in doing their math. 
 
5) Appeals to everyone : 
The Vedic system appears to be effective over all ability ranges: the able child loves the choice and freedom to experiment and the less able may prefer to stick to the general methods but loves the simple patterns they can use. 
Artistic types love the opportunity to invent and have their own unique input, while the analytic types enjoy the challenge and scope of multiple methods.

6) Increases Mental Agility : 
Because the Vedic system uses these ultra-easy methods mental calculation is preferred and leads naturally to develop mental agility and this in turn leads to growth in other subjects.

7) Efficient and Fast : 
In the Vedic(Fast) system ‘difficult’ problems or huge sums can often be solved immediately. 
These striking and beautiful methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is far more systematic than the modern ‘system’
 
8) Easy, Fun :
The experience of the joy of mathematics is an immediate and natural consequence of practicing Vedic (Fast) Math. 
9) Methods apply in Algebra: 
Another important feature of the Vedic(Fast) system is that once an arithmetic method has been mastered the same method can be applied to algebraic cases of that type – the beautiful coherence between arithmetic and algebra is clearly manifest in the Vedic(Fast) system.