Vedic Mathematics Teacher's Manual (Elementary Level)

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Vedic Mathematics was reconstructed from ancient Vedic texts early last century by Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji (18844960). It is a complete system of mathematics which has many surprising properties and applies at all levels and areas of mathematics, pure and applied.

It has a remarkable coherence and simplicity that make it easy to do and easy to understand. Through its amazingly easy methods complex problems can often be solved in one line.

The system is based on sixteen word-formulae (Sutras) that relate to the way in which we use our mind.

The benefits of using Vedic Mathematics include more enjoyment of maths, increased flexibility, creativity and confidence, improved memory, greater mental agility and so on.

This Elementary Manual is the second of three self-contained Manual designed for teachers who with to teach the Vedic system, either to a class or to other adults/teachers. It is also suitable for anyone who would like to teach themselves the basic Vedic methods.

This Manual is the first of three self-contained Manuals (Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced) which are designed for adults with a basic understanding of mathematics to learn or teach the Vedic system. So teachers could use it to learn Vedic Mathematics, though it is not suitable as a text for children (for that the Cosmic Calculator Course is recommended). Or it could be used to teach a course on Vedic Mathematics. This Manual is suitable for teachers of children aged about 7 to 11 years.

The sixteen lessons of this course are based on a series of one week summer courses given at Oxford University by the author to Swedish mathematics teachers between 1990 and 1995. Those courses were quite intensive consisting of eighteen, one and a half hour, lessons.

All techniques are fully explained and proofs are given where appropriate, the relevant Sutras are indicated throughout (these are listed at the end of the Manual) and, for convenience, answers are given after each exercise. Cross-references are given showing what alternative topics may be continued with at certain points.

It should also be noted that in the Vedic system a mental approach is preferred so we always encourage students to work mentally as long as it is comfortable. In the Cosmic Calculator Course pupils are given a short mental test at the start of most or all lessons, which makes a good start to the lesson, revises previous work and introduces some of the ideas needed in the current lesson. In the Cosmic Calculator course there are also many games that help to establish and promote confidence in using the Vedic system.

Some topics will be found to be missing in this text: for example, there is no section on area, only a brief mention. This is because the actual methods are the same as currently taught so that the only difference would be to give the relevant Sutra(s).

**Contents and Sample Pages**