Speed up your mental arithmetic with these five ancient Vedic techniques that top students use to solve problems in seconds — no calculator needed.
Mental maths is one of the most underrated skills in school — and Vedic Maths gives students a serious edge. These techniques, rooted in ancient Indian mathematics, let you solve complex arithmetic in your head faster than most people can reach for a calculator.
Trick 1: Multiply any number by 11 instantly. To multiply a two-digit number by 11, simply add the two digits and place the result in the middle. For example, 36 × 11: add 3 + 6 = 9, so the answer is 396. If the sum exceeds 9, carry the 1 — so 75 × 11: 7 + 5 = 12, making the answer 825.
Trick 2: Square numbers ending in 5. To square any number ending in 5, multiply the tens digit by the next number up, then append 25. So 65² = (6 × 7) followed by 25 = 4225. This works every time and can be done in under two seconds.
Trick 3: Subtract from 1000 the easy way. Instead of borrowing across multiple columns, subtract each digit from 9 — except the last, which you subtract from 10. So 1000 − 638: 9−6=3, 9−3=6, 10−8=2. Answer: 362. Instant.
Trick 4: Multiply numbers close to 100. Take 96 × 97. Find how far each is from 100: 4 and 3. The answer's last two digits are 4 × 3 = 12. The first two digits are 100 − 4 − 3 = 93. Answer: 9312. Works beautifully for selective entry and scholarship exam papers.
Trick 5: The butterfly method for fractions. To add or compare fractions without finding a common denominator, cross-multiply and add the results for the numerator, then multiply the denominators. It's fast, visual, and surprisingly reliable.
These techniques are at the heart of our Speed Maths Program, where students across Grade 3–9 practice them weekly until they become second nature. The goal isn't just speed — it's building number sense that makes all of maths easier.