There is more than one way to reach a correct answer in mathematics. Vedic math, an ancient Indian method, sidesteps traditional computations in a manner that provides a shortcut, while being fun to use and to learn.
Vedic Mathematics is a collection of Formulae/Techniques called Sutras which help us solve arithmetic problems. The techniques are said to have been taken from multiple Sanskrit texts. The Sutras in Vedic Mathematics were put together by Indian Mathematician Shri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji around the early 20th century
Mental math is a group of skills that allow people to do math “in their head” without using pencil and paper or a calculator. One of these skills is remembering math facts, like 8 × 5 = 40. Other skills include rounding numbers and estimating calculations.
The mental method, also known as mental arithmetic, is the process of working out maths calculations and carrying out problem-solving mentally, without the need to go through an entire physical or formal written process. Children will learn to complete mental subtraction, addition and other mental calculations, which involve using all four operations and specific techniques.
Core mental maths skills
There are some important skills that children will gain from practicing mental maths. Check out a few of the most important below:
Remembering maths facts - certain sums will become second nature to children, for example number bonds that make ten. This is a foundational element of mathematics, which will stand them in good stead for more complicated sums later on.
Mathematical speed - of course, there are lots of reasons why speed is good for doing sums. From standing in line at the checkout, to sitting exams, speed is on your side when you learn mental maths.
Estimating calculations - learning how to estimate the answer is a brilliant, real-world skill that children can learn as part of mental maths. They can do this by rounding numbers up or down, before they do any sums.