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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9205
Vedic Activities in the Skills of Arithmetic
E. Dhivyadeepa,
Research Scholar,
Department of Education, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Introduction
Although many teaching methodologies in the past were based on the assumption that
young students’ minds are like sponges, today many teachers have done away with traditional
lecture-style Mathematics class in favor of more innovative classroom teaching techniques.
Modern teachers understand the cognitive and psychological development of children and they
can use the knowledge to design more effective Mathematics courses. The best way for a student
to learn Mathematics depends on the best way that student learns. All people learn in different
ways. Addressing all the styles in the classroom by teaching Mathematics concepts with
innovative methods lead to better understanding of the concept. Vedic Mathematics is one among
the innovative methods in teaching of Mathematics at Primary level. Vedic math is entirely done
in mind. Vedic math also starts at a basic level of numbers and gradually progressing to simple
additions, subtractions, multiplications and division. Vedic math goes much more beyond just the
basic calculations. With Vedic math one can also solve complex geometrical theorems and
algebraic problems. Vedic math can be started at later ages as well without any difficulty. Some
Vedic methods used for doing problems in Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division are
explained in detail in this article.
Introductory Activity
Vedic Mathematics is a new concept to the students. Some flash cards contain Vedic
Mathematical concepts were used to motivate the students to learn Vedic Mathematics.
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9206
Addition by Vedic Method
The main problem in solving Addition is transferring the carry number from one column
to another. To avoid this absurdity and to experiment in a unique way, Vedic method can be used.
Vedic method has a higher degree of accuracy and it is much faster than the traditional method.
There are several methods under Vedic Mathematics for Addition. Two methods in Vedic
Mathematics were used to teach Addition.
Method 1: Ekadhikena Purvena (One more than the previous one)
Addition by Ekadhikena purvena method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Add the ones digit column wise.
Step 2: When the running total becomes greater than 10, put a dot to that number.
Step 3: Move ahead with the excess of ten and write the excess number under the ones digit
column.
Step 4: Lastly count the number of dots and place it down to the number next to the ones
place.
Step 5: Sum the two.
Activity 1: Addition: 3 6 + 4 9
Addition of 36 and 49 was explained by Ekadhikena purvena method in the Black board
by the investigator. A flash card for the clear understanding of the concept of adding is given
below.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9207
Method 2: From left to right
Addition from left to right method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Separate each column by bars.
Step 2: Add the numbers in one’s digit column.
Step 3: Write the number under the ones digit column.
Step 4: Add the numbers in tens digit column
Step 5: Write the number under the tens digit column. Continue from step 1 to step 3 for each
column.
Step 6: In the resultant row, add the tens digit in each column with ones digit in the previous
column.
Activity 2: Addition: 47 + 89
Addition of 47 and 89 was explained by left to right method in the Black board by the
investigator. A flash card for the clear understanding of the concept is given below.
Subtraction by Vedic Method
Subtraction is considered a difficult mathematical operation. The main problem in solving
Subtraction is borrowing number from one column to another column. Vedic method avoids
borrowing and carrying. It helps to solve problems in Subtraction in few seconds with greater
accuracy and speed.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9208
There are several methods under Vedic Mathematics for Subtraction. Three methods in
Vedic Mathematics were used to teach Subtraction.
Method 1: Ekadhikena Purvena and Parama Mitra Method
This method is the combination of two sutras Ekadhikena Purvena and Parama Mitra. The
first sutra “Ekadhikena Purvena” means “One more than the previous one”. The second sutra
“Parama Mitra” means “Complementary”. Two digits are said to be complementary to each other
if their sum is 10. Subtraction by Ekadhikena purvena and Parama Mitra method can be
summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: If any digit in minuend is greater than the subtrahend, subtract subtrahend from
minuend.
Step 2: Write the number under the ones digit column.
Step 3: If any digit in minuend is less than the subtrahend, subtract minuend from subtrahend.
Step 4: Simply find the complementary of that resultant digit and write it under the tens digit
column.
Step 5: Place a bar to the preceding digit of subtrahend. The bar over any number will make
that number richer by 1.
Step 6: Subtract subtrahend from minuend.
Step 7: Write the number under the hundreds digit column.
Activity 3: Subtract: 3 6 7 - 2 9 5
Subtraction of the number 295 from the number 367 was explained by Ekadhikena
Purvena and Parama Mitra method in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the
clear understanding of the concept is given below.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9209
Method 2: From left to right
Addition from left to right method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Separate each column by bars.
Step 2: Notice the hundreds column from left. Subtract the subtrahend from the minuend.
Step 3: Write the number under the hundreds column.
Step 4: Notice the tens column from left. If the minuend is greater than the subtrahend,
subtract the subtrahend from minuend.
Step 5: Write the number under the tens column.
Step 6: If the minuend is less than the subtrahend, place 1 on the top before the minuend.
There will be a two-digit minuend.
Step 7: And subtract 1 from the previous remainder column.
Step 8: Subtract the subtrahend from the two-digit minuend.
Step 9: Write the number under the ones column.
Activity 4: Subtract: 463-325
Subtracting 325 from 463 was explained by left to right method in the Black board by the
investigator. The flash card to the students for the clear understanding of the concept is given
below.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9210
Method 3: Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah (All from 9 and the last from 10)
Subtracting a number from a base number (10, 100, 1000, etc) is easily solved by using
Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah sutra. Subtracting by Nikhilam Navatashcaramam
Dashatah method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Subtract the ones digit of subtrahend by 10.
Step 2: Write the number under the ones digit column.
Step 3: Subtract the tens digit of subtrahend by 9.
Step 4: Write the number under the tens digit column.
Step 5: Subtract the hundreds digit of subtrahend by 9.
Step 6: Write the number under the hundreds digit column.
Activity 5: Subtract: 1000 – 345
Subtraction of the number 345 from the base number 1000 was explained by Nikhilam
Navatashcaramam Dashatah method in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the
clear understanding of the concept is given below.
Multiplication by Vedic Method
Multiplication is one of the most commonly used mathematical operations. The basic fact
of Multiplication is to add. In conventional method, unique pattern of Multiplication is being
followed for centuries.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9211
The process of current Multiplication which is taught everywhere in the schools has many
disadvantage. In conventional method of learning Multiplication, the students have to memories
the table up to 10 and it does not allow any experimentation, whereas in Vedic Mathematics, the
students have to memories the table upto 5 alone. The best advantage of Vedic Multiplication
technique over the present-day method is that applying different sutras according to the category
it falls under. There are several methods under Vedic Mathematics for Multiplication. Two
methods in Vedic Mathematics were used to teach Multiplication for the students at standard IV.
Method 1: Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah (All from 9 and the last from 10)
The Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah sutra is used to multiply the numbers near to
base numbers (10, 100, 100, etc). Multiplication by Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah
method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Write the two numbers to be multiplied above and below at the left side.
Step 2: Write the base of the two numbers. The base can be the power of 10 (10, 100, 1000,
etc).
Step 3: Subtract each number from the base and write the remainder with respective plus (+)
or minus (-) sign. Write the resultant numbers above and below at the right side.
Step 4: The product will have two parts. Draw a vertical line for demarcation.
Step 5: The left hand product is obtained by cross operation of two numbers written
diagonally.
Step 6: The right hand product is obtained by multiplying the two numbers at the right side.
Activity 6: Multiply: 7 x 9 (Multiplying number below base)
Multiplication of the numbers 7 and 9 was explained by Nikhilam Navatashcaramam
Dashatah method in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear
understanding of the concept is given below.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9212
Activity 7: Multiply: 13 x 14 (Multiplying number above base)
Multiplication of the numbers 13 and 14 was explained by Nikhilam Navatashcaramam
Dashatah method in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear
understanding of the concept is given below.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9213
Activity 8: Multiply: 8 x 14 (Multiplying numbers, when one number is below the base and
another is above the base)
Multiplication of the numbers 8 and 14 was explained by Nikhilam Navatashcaramam
Dashatah method in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear
understanding of the concept is given below.
Method 2: Urdhva Tiryagbyham (Vertically and Crosswise)
The Urdhva Tiryagbyham is a general sutra applicable to all cases of Multiplication.
Multiplication by Urdhva Tiryagbyham method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Multiply vertically the numbers in the hundreds column.
Step 2: Sum the cross product of two figures.
Step 3: Multiply vertically the numbers in the ones column.
The following flash card was used to the better understanding of Urdhva Tiryagbyham
method.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9214
Activity 9: Multiply: 56 X 81 (2-digit numbers)
Multiplication of the numbers 56 and 81 was explained by Urdhva Tiryagbyham method
in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear understanding of the concept is
given below.
Activity 10: Multiply 367 x 565 (Alternative way of Multiplication by Urdhva Tiryagbyham
sutra)
The Urdhva Tiryagbyham sutra can be used in different way in multiplying two numbers.
Multiplication of the numbers 367 and 565 was explained by Urdhva Tiryagbyham method in the
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9215
Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear understanding of the concept is given
below.
Division by Vedic Method
The main difficult part of Division is that a student has to multiply big numbers by the
quotient at every step and subtract that result from each dividend at each step. This is really a
boring process. Vedic Mathematics can be used to solve Division problems quickly and
accurately. The best advantage of Vedic Division technique over the present-day method is that
applying different sutras according to the category it falls under. There are several methods under
Vedic Mathematics for Division. Three methods in Vedic Mathematics were used to teach
Division for the students at standard IV.
Method 1: Anurupyena (Proportionately or halving and doubling) for dividing a number by
2, 4 and 8
The Anurupyena sub-sutra is used for dividing a number by 2, 4 and 8. Division by
Anurupyena method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: If the divisor is 2, split the dividend by vertical bars.
Step 2: If any number between bars is odd, carry 1 to the next column.
Step 3: Find half of each number between bars and write under each number.
Step 4: If the divisor is 4, repeat the step 2 and step 3 twice.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9216
Step 5: If the divisor is 8, repeat the step 2 and step 3 thrice.
Anurupyena (Proportionately or halving and doubling) for dividing a number by 5, 25 and
50
The Anurupyena sub-sutra is used for dividing by 5, 25 and 50. Division by Anurupyena method
can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: If the divisor is 5, double the dividend.
Step 2: Divide by 10.
Step 3: If the divisor is 25, double twice the dividend.
Step 4: Divide by 100.
Step 5: If the divisor is 50, double the dividend.
Step 6: Divide by 100.
Activity 11: Divide: 456 by 2, 4 and 8
Divide the number 456 by the divisors 2, 4 and 8 was explained by Anurupyena method in
the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear understanding of the concept is
given below.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9217
Activity 12: Divide: 600 by 5, 25 and 50
Divide the number 600 by the divisors 5, 25 and 50 was explained by Anurupyena method
in the Black board by the investigator. The flash card for the clear understanding of the concept is
given below.
Method 2: Special Division for dividing a number by 9
The special Division method is used for dividing a number by 9. Division by special
Division method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Write the first digit of the dividend down as it is.
Step 2: Add the number with the second digit of the dividend diagonally to get the next
quotient digit.
Step 3: If the number is greater than or equal to 9, find how many 9’s are there in that
number and find the remainder.
Step 4: Add the number with the previous quotient digit and carry remainder to the next
digit of dividend.
Step 5: Continue the step till the last digit of the dividend.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9218
Activity 13: Divide: 440 and 675 by 9
Divide the numbers 440 and 675 by the divisor 9 was explained by Anurupyena method in
the Black board by the investigator. The flash for the clear understanding of the concept is given
below.
Method 3: Dhwajanka (On the top of the flag) for straight Division
The Dhwajanka method is helpful in dividing any number comfortably. The main divisor
and the dividend may be of as many digits, depending upon the ability to perform the operation.
Division by Dhwajanka method can be summarized in the following steps/rules:
Step 1: Write the first digit of the divisor down and other digits on the top.
Step 2: Draw a vertical line from right leaving one digit at the end. If the first digit of the
dividend is greater than the first digit of the divisor, continue the step 4.
Step 3: If the first digit of the dividend is less than the first digit of the divisor, take first two
digit of the dividend and continue the step 4.
Step 4: Find how many times the divisor digit goes into dividend digit and write the quotient
down and the remainder near to next dividend digit.
Step 5: Multiply the divisor digit on the top with the quotient digit and subtract it from the
dividend digit.
Step 6: Continue the step 4 and step 5 till the last digit of the dividend.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9219
Activity 14: Divide: 785 by 21
Divide the number 785 by 21 was explained by Dhwajanka method in the Black board by
the investigator. The flash card for the clear understanding of the concept is given below.
Conclusion
The above given vedic math activities are usual for the students at primary level. Practice
given on these activities makes the students perfect in doing Arithmetic calculation. To bring the
vedic mathematics to practice, first the teachers at primary school should be given training on
Vedic methods. Vedic math goes much more beyond just the basic calculations. With Vedic math
one can also solve complex geometrical theorems and algebraic problems. Vedic math can be
started at later ages as well without any difficulty.
International Multidisciplinary e –Journal - E. Dhivyadeepa, (9205-9220)
www.shreeprakashan.com Vol-III, Issue-I, Jan -2014 Page - 9220
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