Mental Mathematics

Dr. Raj Shree Dhar
“Whatever there is in all the three worlds, which are possessed by moving and non- moving things cannot exist in separation form from Ganita”
Mahavir, 850 A.D.
The first World Maths Day was held on March 14, 2007, and has been held on the 1st Wednesday in March in subsequent years.
Mental mathematics refers to mathematical calculations that you do in your head and has been known to run almost every aspect of human life, considering that from the moment you wake up you are always calculating the amount of time it is going to take you to accomplish certain tasks. Worth noting is that this type of mathematics does not necessarily reflect how good one is in mathematics in general. It is a skill and the only difference is that while some people can be fast, others might take ages to work on simple calculations.
There is need to develop mental mathematics in children from a very tender age. Funny enough, there are some techniques that when embraced they help in simplifying even the most complex of calculations. For instance, it is possible for a child to calculate 1478+3456+98-29 in less than five seconds, without the use of a calculator or any other gadget. This has been made possible by the fact that mathematical systems are used in making mental calculations easy. East Asia is credited for developing most of these methods. Since most mental calculations often happen subconsciously, it is important to develop the art of constantly engaging in mental mathematics since it has proven health benefits to both the young and the old.
Mental mathematics is so interesting although many people tend to find it a bit difficult to master, there are set methods that can help you achieve this faster than you can imagine. Vedic mathematics is one of them and is rated among the best methods available. It is one of the most recommended methods for the students who are preparing for any mathematical examinations or contests for that matter. Compared to other conventional methods of learning mathematics, Vedic mathematics tends to be more systematic, unified and simplified at the same time. It is a powerful tool for mental maths that encourages the students to develop their skills in Mathematics and at the same time gives them an opportunity to engage in some fun giving them satisfaction and flexibility in the learning methods.
Most of us, when faced with maths problems, immediately reach for a calculator or a pen. One key to improving and expanding your math potential-whether you’re a corporate executive or a high-school student-lies in the powerful ability to perform mental math calculations. Solving basic math problems in your head is a gateway to success in understanding and mastering higher mathematical fields such as algebra, statistics, and calculus. It’s a skill that offers other lifelong benefits; Vedic way of learning mental math has quite a number of advantages. For starters, this method allows you to increase your speed up to 15 times faster than if you were using the conventional math. It also increases the confidence of the learner by a great deal as well as heightening the self esteem.
The word Veda has the meaning i.e. fountain head and illimitable store house of all knowledge. Vedic Mathematics is a monumental work and deals mainly with various Vedic mathematical formulas or Sutras for carrying out tedious and cumbersome arithmetical operations and to a very large extent, executing them mentally. The sutras are easy to understand, easy to apply and easy to remember and the time taken by Vedic method will be less than the time taken by modern western methods. Vedic methods are so simple that their very simplicity is magical.
The academic performance of the student is also boosted a great deal and it heightens the mental capability and intelligence as it sharpens the mind. This system is adequate for a learning experience not forgetting the fact that it is comprehensive enough for the learner.
This system of improving mental math is also very efficient for boosting the concentration abilities of a learner. It develops all parts of the brain equally and as such, it increases the visualization and the ability to concentrate for longer periods. Since it is relatively easy to understand and comprehend, it eliminates the phobia for maths that is present in so many people. It is also important when it comes to cultivating a long term interest in Mathematics.
Mental maths is important because it is an excellent way to stimulate your mind by helping you get better with number sense. This helps you become familiar with how numbers interact and keep you alert always.
The society contributes greatly to the importance of this subject. One does not want to look uneducated in the society and the only way to proof this is by being able to calculate simple mathematical problems with ease. You have to add and subtract without the use of a calculator to show that you are intelligent.
Mental maths also helps you to be faster in your work. You do not need a calculator to determine the sum of two simple numbers. If you compare the time used by a calculator to add or subtract these simple numbers to mental calculation, you will realize that you take a shorter time than the calculator. It is therefore advised that a calculator should only be used in performing compliment maths like getting the cosine of a number etc.
Mental Maths is also important in business. You do not need to carry along a calculator every time you are going to buy something. You can be able to determine if the shopkeeper purposely gave you less change by applying the ability of mental work unlike computing equipment and that will require you go back home and make the calculation.
Mental maths is also necessary in estimation. In the modern world of calculators and computers, mental estimation skills are important. It is helpful mostly in cash registers where the cashier might enter the wrong numbers or put a decimal point at a wrong place, and accepting the receipt or cash blindly will really cost you, here mental work will help you correct the error for the sake of your money.
Mental mathematics gives that competitive edge, a way to optimize the performance and gives an edge in mathematics and logic that will help one to shine in classroom  and beyond.
(The author is Nodal Officer, J & K Institute of Mathematical Sciences)

Follow our WhatsApp channel