Transform your child with these Vedic Math Tricks
Swarnali Saha
Founder, Welcome2Maths | 15+ years as a Math Teacher & Life Skills Coach
Introduction
Most children feel extreme emotions with the subject of Math. Some love it and some hate it. As a teacher and mother, I have experienced both, and it’s very difficult sometimes to handle both kinds of children.
For the one who loves Math, they need to be given challenges and ways in which they can nurture her talent. On the other hand, for the one who hates Math, we need to make her interested in it.
So, is there a way to solve both these issues together? Yes, there is and that’s what I am going to share with you today! It’s a branch of Math that can keep a child who is interested in Maths engaged with its endless possibilities & also create boundless interest in the minds of someone who doesn’t like Math.
This area of Math is called Vedic Maths. It’s a system of Math that can make a child master of calculation. Today, in this blog, I will share 5 Secret Vedic Math tricks to make Math fun and enjoyable for your child! These tricks will not only simplify complex calculations but also turn learning into an enjoyable experience.
Kid-Friendly Vedic Math Tricks
Vedic Math is a fantastic way to make mental math fun, engaging and educational for kids of all ages. Here are some kid-friendly Vedic Math Tricks that will help your child develop their speed calculation skills and enjoy the learning process.
1. Doubling one number and Halving another number for Multiplication
This trick simplifies multiplication by doubling one multiplicand and halving another one. This way the product remains the same, but the calculation is more manageable. Here's how it works:
- For example, to multiply 14 by 12, double one number (14 becomes 28) and halve the other (12 becomes 6).
- Now, multiply the new numbers: 28 x 6 = 168.
- Obviously, you can take this further by doing 56 x 3
- This trick makes it easier to handle larger numbers by simplifying the calculations.
2. The Magic of 9's (Division)
The number 9 has some fascinating properties that can make mental math easier. To check whether a number is divisible by 9, add the digits in the number. If they add up to 9, then the number is divisible by 9. Also if the sum of digits is less than 9, then the remainder is equal to the sum of digits.
- Example:- Can 702 be divided by 9? Add the digits of 702 ⇒ 7+0+2 =9; hence 702 is divisible by 9.
- Another example:- Is 7236 divisible by 9? Add the digits ⇒ 7+2+3+6 = 18; Now in such cases, you add again; 1+8 = 9; Hence we can say 7236 is divisible by 9.
- Now an example with remainder:- Is 8257 divisible by 9? If not, what’s the remainder? Let’s add the digits ⇒ 8+2+5+7 = 22 ⇒ 2+2 = 4; Hence 4 is the remainder.
3. Multiplying by 11 Simplified
Multiplying any two-digit number by 11 can be done quickly with this Vedic Maths trick:
- For example, to multiply 43 by 11, add the two digits (4+3=7) and place the result between the original digits: 4(4+3)3 = 473
- This simple trick turns multiplication by 11 into a quick mental calculation.
4. Quick Squaring of Numbers Ending in 5
Squaring numbers that end in 5 becomes very easy with this trick. Let’s separate the number into 2 parts⇒ one the last 5 and another the remaining part. The last 2 digits (i.e. ones place and tens place) of the square will be square of 5 i.e. 25; Now, the remaining digits of the square can be found by multiplying the remaining number with the next number. And you find your square.
- Example⇒ to square 35; first the last 2 digits will be square of 5 i.e. 25. The remaining digit is 3- so the rest of the square will be 3X4 = 12; Hence 35 square will be 1225.
- This trick can be applied to any number ending in 5 for fast mental squaring.
If you want your child to learn some more squaring techniques, you can check out this video lecture of mine.
5. Simplified Division Techniques
Division can also be simplified with Vedic Math Tricks:
- For instance, to divide by 5, multiply the number by 2 and then move the decimal point one place to the left. Why does this happen? Simple! You see division by 5 and multiplication by ⅕ are the same thing. Now, we can write ⅕ as 2/10 too. Hence multiplication by 2 and division by 10.
- For example, 145 ÷ 5 becomes (145 x 2) = 290, then move the decimal: 29.0.
- This trick turns division by 5 into a quick multiplication and adjustment, making it easier for kids to handle.
These Vedic Math Tricks are designed to be simple and enjoyable for children, helping them develop their mental calculation skills without feeling overwhelmed. By practicing these tricks regularly, your child can build a strong foundation in math and approach calculations with confidence and enthusiasm.
Fun Activities and Games to Reinforce Learning
Keeping learning fun is key to maintaining a child’s interest. Vedic Math Tricks can be even more effective when paired with engaging activities and games. Here are some fun ways to reinforce these tricks and make math a delightful adventure for your child.
1. Math Bingo with Vedic Math Tricks
Turn practice into a game with Math Bingo:
- Create bingo cards with answers to Vedic Math Trick problems.
- Call out the problems, and your child marks the answers on their bingo card.
- This game reinforces the tricks in a fun and competitive way, encouraging quick recall and application.
2. Flashcards for Rapid Recall
Flashcards are a great tool for reinforcing memory.
- Make flashcards with Vedic Math Trick problems on one side and the solutions on the other.
- Regularly practice with these flashcards to help your child quickly recall the tricks.
- This can be a quick daily activity that keeps the tricks fresh in their mind.
3. Memory Games with Vedic Math Principles
Memory games can help reinforce math skills:
- Create a set of cards with Vedic Math problems and their corresponding solutions.
- Lay the cards face down and take turns flipping them to find matching pairs.
- This game not only reinforces the tricks but also improves memory and concentration.
4. Fun Worksheets and Puzzles
Worksheets and puzzles can make practice more enjoyable:
- Practice worksheets that incorporate Vedic Math Tricks in creative ways, such as crosswords or number mazes.
- Include puzzles where your child has to solve problems to find a hidden message or complete a picture.
- These activities turn practice into a fun and engaging experience.
5. Interactive Online Games and Apps
Leverage technology to make learning interactive:
- Many educational websites and apps offer games specifically designed to teach Vedic Math Tricks.
- These platforms often provide instant feedback and rewards, making the learning process exciting and motivating.
- Regular use of these tools can help reinforce the tricks and keep your child engaged.
By integrating these fun activities and games into your child’s routine, you can make learning Vedic Math Tricks an enjoyable part of their day. These methods encourage active participation and help solidify their understanding of the tricks in a playful and memorable way.
Tips for Parents to Teach Vedic Maths at Home
Parental involvement can make the learning journey amazing for a child. The tips below will not only help you improve your child’s Vedic Maths Skills but also generate an overall interest in Maths. I have tried and tested these with my students and the results have been amazing.
1. Create a Positive and Supportive Learning Environment
A positive environment is crucial for effective learning:
- Set up a dedicated study space that is free from distractions.
- Encourage a positive attitude towards math by celebrating small successes and progress.
- Be patient and supportive, offering praise and encouragement to boost your child’s confidence.
2. Use Everyday Situations to Practice Vedic Math
Incorporate Vedic Math Tricks into daily activities:
- Use shopping trips to practice multiplication and division tricks. For example, ask your child to calculate the total cost of items using Vedic Math techniques.
- Involve your child in cooking and baking, using measurements and conversions to practice mental calculations.
- During car rides, play mental math games using Vedic Math Tricks to keep them engaged and practicing.
3. Set Aside Regular Practice Time
Consistency is key to mastering Vedic Math Tricks:
- Dedicate a specific time each day for math practice, ensuring it becomes a regular part of your child’s routine.
- Keep practice sessions short and focused to maintain your child’s interest and prevent burnout.
- Use a variety of activities and resources to keep practice sessions fun and engaging.
4. Encourage Curiosity and a Love for Math
Foster a genuine interest in math through exploration and creativity:
- Share stories about the origins and history of Vedic Math to spark curiosity.
- Encourage your child to explore and come up with their own math problems and solutions using Vedic Math Tricks.
- Use real-life examples and applications to show the practical benefits of mastering these tricks
5. Leverage Resources and Community Support
Utilize available resources to enhance learning:
- Explore books, websites, and apps that provide additional practice and interactive learning opportunities.
- Join online forums and communities where parents and educators share tips, resources, and experiences related to Vedic Math.
- Attend courses or workshops on Vedic Math to gain new insights and techniques.
Conclusion:
Mastering Vedic Math Tricks can be a game-changer for your child, making math fun, engaging, and much easier to understand. I've seen first-hand the transformative power of these techniques in my students. By integrating Vedic Math Tricks into your child’s daily routine, you can help them develop strong mental calculation skills, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for math.
Remember, your involvement and enthusiasm are key to your child's success. Encourage your child’s curiosity and show them how math can be a fascinating and useful part of everyday life. Happy math learning!