Vedic Maths - Tricks
Vedic Maths - Tricks
Vedic Maths - Tricks
Today I am going to share with you a special memory trick for trigonometry, mailed to me by Debasis
Basak – a young Class IX follower of QuickerMaths.com
By this method we can find out Sines and Cosines of different angles. It just requires your hand. Let’s
understand this trick step by step -
Step 1
First mark the angles of 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90 on little, ring, middle and pointer finger and thumb of your
left hand.
Step 2
On the palm of your left hand write the equation (x)^1/2 /2 or square root of x/2
Step 3
On the left will be cosine and on the right will be sine. You will understand why you need to do this in the
next step with an example
Step 4
Count the numbers of fingers on the left of the ring finger, as per step 3. So since there are 3 fingers, x=3;
put the value in the equation given in step 2
In the next step, add 40 plus 39 (the number we squared plus the number we want to square)
40 + 39 = 79
Subtract 79 from 1600 to get an answer of 1521. To easily do such subtractions, subtract 80 (1 more than
79) from 1600 to get 1520 and then add 1 to get the answer as 1521.
Another Example,
449^2
450^2 = 202500 (use the shortcut Squaring number ending in 5 to calculate 45^2 and then put double
zeroes in front of the answer)
450+449 = 899
202500 – 899 = 202500 – 1000 + 101 = 201601
To make sure that you have understood the above calculation shortcut, try finding the square of few
numbers ending in 9 by yourself – 39, 119, 349.
I’ll share with you one simple method of finding the square of numbers between 50 and 60. Like many
other Vedic Mathematics methods, in this method also, we will get the answer in two parts. Since the
numbers are in 50s and square of 50 is 2500, we will just use 25 in our calculations, ignoring the zeros.
1. To get the first part of the answer, add the digit at the units place to 25 and write the sum
2. To get the second part, calculate the square of units place digit and write it
It’ll be easier to understand this with an example.
To find the square of 57 –
Another way to look at it can explain you the logic behind this technique – 57 can be written as
(50+7)^2
=100*(25+7) + 7^2
You can replace 7 by any other number in unit’s place and get answer for it.
Today I will discuss a very simple method of finding square of numbers between 26 to 74 mentally. In the
subsequent post we will cover higher numbers. So keep watching this space to learn squaring any
number within your mind
Square (also called perfect square) is an integer that is the square of an integer; in other words, it is the
product of some integer with itself. So, for example, 9 is a square number, since it can be written as 3 ×
3.
How to find the square of any number?
To apply this method you should know squares of 1 to 25 by heart. You can refer to this table to learn the
same.
1 1 13 169
2 4 14 196
3 9 15 225
4 16 16 256
5 25 17 289
6 36 18 324
7 49 19 361
8 64 20 400
9 81 21 441
10 100 22 484
11 121 23 529
12 144 24 576
* * 25 625
Step 3. Then add the square of the difference to the result of step 1
Step 3. Then add the square of the difference to the result of step 1
Example
Find out the Square of 67.
67^2
We will be getting answer in 2 parts; see below – right hand side gives you tens and units digit. Left hand
side gives you the remaining digits.
Vedic Multiplication: This method of multiplication which is from Vedic Maths will make it very easy to
multiply two numbers when sum of the last digits is 10 and previous parts are the same
You will get the answer in two parts.
First part, to get left hand side of the answer: multiply the left most digit(s) by its successor
Second part, to get right hand side of the answer: multiply the right most digits of both the numbers.
Example
First part: 4 x (4+1)
Second part: (4 x 6)
*| is just a separator. Left hand side denotes tens place, right hand side denotes units place
More Examples
37 x 33 = (3 x (3+1)) | (7 x 3) = (3 x 4) | (7 x 3) = 1221
11 x 19 = (1 x (1+1)) | (1 x 9) = (1 x 2) | (1 x 9) = 209
As you can see this method is corollary of "Squaring number ending in 5"
Here 48 + 52 = 100,
720 | 2496
= 722496.
[L.H.S product is to be multiplied by 10 and 2 to be carried over because the base is 100].
Note: This Vedic Maths method can also be used to multiply any two different numbers, but it requires
several more steps and is sometimes no faster than any other method. Thus try to use it where it is most
effective
Second part, to get right hand side of the answer: multiply the difference from 100 of both the numbers
Example
103 x 104 = 10712
The answer is in two parts: 107 and 12,
107 is just 103 + 4 (or 104 + 3), and 12 is just 3 x 4.
Similarly 107 x 106 = 11342
107 + 6 = 113 and 7 x 6 = 42
123 x 103 = 12669
(123 + 3) | (23 x 3) = 126 | 69 =12669 .
If the multiplication of the offsets is more than 100 then this method won’t work. For example 123 x 105.
Here offsets are 23 and 5.
Multiplication of 23 and 5 is 115 which are more than 100. So this method won’t work.
But it can still work with a little modification. Consider the following examples:
Example 1
122 x 123 = 15006
Step 1: 22 x 23 = 506 (as done earlier)
Step 2: 122 + 23 (as done earlier)
Step 3: Add the 5 (digit at 100s place) of 506 to step 2
Answer: (122 + 23 + 5) | (22 x 23) = 150 | 06 = 10506
Example 2
123 x 105 (Different representation but same method)
123 + 5 = 128
23 x 5 = 115
128 | 115
= 12915
In the next post I'll tell you about vedic multiplication, i.e., how to multiply two numbers lesser than the
base (in this case 100).
Step 1.
Assume that there are two invisible 0 (zeroes), one in front and one behind the number to be multiplied
with 11
Start from the right, add the two adjacent digits and keep on moving left
02340
Add the last zero to the digit in the ones column (4), and write the answer below the ones column. Then
add 4 with digit on the left i.e. 3. Next add 3 with 2. Next 2 with 0.
0+4 = 4
4+3 = 7
3+2 = 5
2+0 = 2
So answer is 2574
Similarly,
74 x 11 =0+ 7 | 7+4 | 4+0 = 7 | 11 | 4 = 814 (1 of 11 is carried over and added to next digit, so 7+1 = 8
)
6349 x 11 = (0+6) | (6+3) | (3+4) | (4+9) | 9+0 = 69839
This method works for all the number, no matter how long or short, times 11. Just try it yourself and get
amazed at the simplicity of the concept.
In the next post will learn Vedic Multilplication by 111, 1111, 11111, and so on.
Start from left. Double the first digit and add it to left side neighboring digit. Repeat the steps for
subsequent digits. The last number will be same as the last number of the multiplied number.
This rule is very much like the shortcut for multiplying by 11. Since 21 is sum of 11 and 10, it does belong
to the same family of short cuts.
Let’s understand the whole concept with an example. Let’s multiply 5392 by 21.
The first digit of the answer will be equal to twice the first digit of 5392. To make the rule consistent
assume there is a zero before the number.
So it looks like 05392
0 + (5 x 2) = 10
As stated in the rule above, next, add the first digit of the given number, 5, to twice the second digit, 3.
5 + (2 x 3) = 11
Since we must have a single digit at each step, the tens place of the result above will be carried over and
added to the previous number.
1 | (0 +1) | 1 = 111
1 | 1 | 3 | (1+1) | 3
The last digit of the answer will be same as the last digit of the number itself.
Hence, in this case last digit will be 2.
When any number has to be multiplied by a series of 9s, like 9, 99, 999, 9999 and so on than we can
apply this very simple vedic maths technique to increase your speed of calculation.
o The left hand side of the answer: subtract 1 from 789, which is 788
o The right hand side of the answer subtract 789 from 1000 = 1000-789= 211
Thus, 999 x 789 = 789-1 | 1000-789 = 788, 211 (answer)
{for the right hand side of the answer, 789 should be subtracted from (999+1)}
= 7799922
Another example:
=120357887964 21
Number in red is 1 less than 1203579. Number in blue is (10000000-1203579). Hence the answer.
This method has to be altered a little bit when number of 9s are lessers than the number of digit in the
divisor.
So for multiplication with 9, put a zero after that number and subtract the number itself from that.
This Vedic Maths Subtraction method found as sutra in ancient vedas, is given below is very useful for
such subtractions.
Memory Trick: ALL FROM 9 AND THE LAST FROM 10
Use the formula all from 9 and the last from 10, to perform instant subtractions.
This always works for subtractions from numbers consisting of a 1 followed by noughts: 100; 1000;
10,000 etc.
Similarly 10,000 - 1049 = 8951 (subtraction from 10000)
9-1 = 8
9-0 = 9
9-4 = 5
10-9 = 1
So answer is 8951,
For 1000 - 83, in which we have more zeros than figures in the numbers being subtracted, we simply
suppose 83 is 083.
So 1000 - 83 becomes 1000 - 083 = 917
Corollary: If last term is 0, keep that last term as 0 and subtract the last non Zero term from 10 .
This is an amazing trick which was always appreciated by the audience I have addressed in various
workshops. This awe inspiring technique helps you find out the cube root of a 4 or 5 or 6 digits number
mentally.
Before going further on the method to find the cube root, please make a note of the following points –
1) Cube of a 2-digit number will have at max 6 digits (99^3 = 970,299). That implies if you are given with
a 6 digit number, its cube root will have 2 digits.
2) This trick works only for perfect cubes, it will not work for any arbitrary 6-digit
3) It works only for integers
Now let us start with the trick to find cube root of a 5 or 6 digit number in vedic mathematic way.
Say you have to find the cube root of 54872. It is known that it’s a perfect cube.
Now divide this number into two parts. The right hand side should always have 3 digits. Remaining digits
will come in left hand side. Do it as shown below.
54 | 872
You know the answer will have 2 digits. Digit at tens place and digit at units place. We will get the digit at
tens place using the left hand side of the original number (54) and digit at units place using right hand
side of the number (872)
Step 1.
Memorize these tables (very soon you will know why) –
Table 1: Cube of 1 to 10
Numbe Cub
r e
1 1
2 8
3 27
4 64
5 125
6 216
7 343
8 512
9 729
100
10 0
2 8
3 7
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 3
8 2
9 9
0 0
Step 2.
For left hand side we need to use table 1. We have to see between which 2 numbers in the 2nd column do
54 lies. In this case it lies between 27 and 64. So we will take the cube root of the smaller number i.e. 27
which is 3.
So 3 is the tens digit of the answer.
Step 3.
For right hand side we need to use table 2. Since our original number (the perfect cube) ends in 2 (see
54872), its cube root will ends in 8.
Thus the units digit will be 8.
Thus (54872)^1/3 = 38
You might also be interested in the trick of finding square root of any number
Multiplication of a number consisting of only ones with another number becomes very easy usingVedic
Maths techniques. You must see the earlier post on shortcut for multiplying a number by 11
MULTIPLYING A NUMBER BY 111
To multiply a two-digit number by 111, add the two digits and if the sum is a single digit, write this digit
TWO TIMES in between the original digits of the number. Some examples:
36x111= 3996
54x111= 5994
The same idea works if the sum of the two digits is not a single digit, but you should write down the last
digit of the sum twice, but remember to carry if needed. So
57x111= 6327
because 5+7=12, but then you have to carry the one twice.
Similarly,
241x111 = 26751
(Because of the carries, it may be easier to do the sums and write the answer down from right to left.)
Learn Amazingly Fast Vedic Mathematics Subtraction
Very often we have to deduct a number from numbers like 1000, 10000, 100000 and so on.
This Vedic Maths Subtraction method found as sutra in ancient vedas, is given below is very useful for
such subtractions.
Memory Trick: ALL FROM 9 AND THE LAST FROM 10
Use the formula all from 9 and the last from 10, to perform instant subtractions.
This always works for subtractions from numbers consisting of a 1 followed by noughts: 100; 1000;
10,000 etc.
Similarly 10,000 - 1049 = 8951 (subtraction from 10000)
9-1 = 8
9-0 = 9
9-4 = 5
10-9 = 1
So answer is 8951,
For 1000 - 83, in which we have more zeros than figures in the numbers being subtracted, we simply
suppose 83 is 083.
So 1000 - 83 becomes 1000 - 083 = 917
Corollary: If last term is 0, keep that last term as 0 and subtract the last non Zero term from 10 .
In one of the earlier post a similar method was described. In that like this trick the starting digit(s) should
be same but at the same time the sum of digit at unit’s place should be 10 – please check that out - Vedic
multiplication
Learn Multiplication
34 x 37
To multiply 34x37, we know they are in the base 30. Hence the reference point (base) will be 30.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Multiply the resultant number from step 2 by the base, which is in this case 30
Step 4.
Add to the resultant of step 3 the product of the numbers obtained from step 1. This will give you the
answer.
23 x 29
234 x 232
From step 1 and step 2 above, 234 +2 = 236 or 232 + 4 = 236
There are so many shortcuts for multiplication but hardly any shortcuts for division. Nandeesh has
translated a Sanskrit Sutra to reduce long division to one line short-cut. Join me in thanking him for his
great efforts.
Corresponding to the number of digits flagged on top (in this case, one), the rightmost part of the number
to be divided is split to mark the placeholder of the decimal point or the remainder portion.
1. 7 ÷ 5 = 1 remainder 2. Put the quotient 1, the first digit of the solution, in the first box of the
bottom row and carry over the remainder 2
2. The product of the flagged number (4) and the previous quotient (1) must be subtracted from
the next number (21) before the division can proceed. 21 - 4 x 1 = 1717 ÷ 5 = 3 remainder 2. Put
down the 3 and carry over the 2
3. Again subtract the product of the flagged number (4) and the previous quotient (3), 26 - 4 x 3
= 1414 ÷ 5 = 2 remainder 4. Put down the 2 and carry over the 4
4. 47 - 4 x 2 = 3939 ÷ 5 = 7 remainder 4. Put down the 7 and carry over the 4
5. 46 - 4 x 7 = 1818 ÷ 5 = 3 remainder 3. Put down the 3 and carry over the 3
6. 39 - 4 x 3 = 27. Since the decimal point is reached here, 27 is the raw remainder. If decimal
places are required, the division can proceed as before, filling the original number with zeros after
the decimal point27 ÷ 5 = 5 remainder 2. Put down the 5 (after the decimal point) and carry over
the 2
7. 20 - 4 x 5 = 0. There is nothing left to divide, so this cleanly completes the division
Example 2: 45026 ÷ 47
Reduce the divisor 47 to 4 pushing the remaining digit 7 “on top of the flag” (Dhvajanka so to say).
Corresponding to the number of digits flagged on top (in this case, one), the rightmost part of the number
to be divided is split to mark the placeholder of the decimal point or the remainder portion.
45026 ÷ 47 = 958.0
4 9 7 5
47 4 5 0 2 6
0 9 5 8 0
1. 4 ÷ 4 = 0 remainder 4. Put the quotient 0, the first digit of the solution, in the first box of the
bottom row and carry over the remainder 4
2. The product of the flagged number (7) and the previous quotient (0) must be subtracted from
the next number (45) before the division can proceed. 45 - 7 x 0 = 4545 ÷ 4 = 9 remainder 9. Put
down the quotient 9 and carry over the remainder 9.
3. Again subtract the product of the flagged number (7) and the previous quotient (9), 90 - 7 x 9
= 2727 ÷ 4 = 5 remainder 7. Put down the quotient 5 and carry over the remainder 7.
4. 72 - 7 x 5 = 3737 ÷ 4 = 8 remainder 5. Put down the quotient 8 and carry over the remainder
5.
5. 56 - 7 x 8 = 0there is nothing left to divide, so this cleanly completes the division.
In reply to the query of Pratiush
To divide 716769 by 156: Split divisor as 15 and 6
--------------------- 11 17 12 12 15 9
15 6 71 6 7 6 9 0 0
----------------- 4 5 9 4 6 7 3
Answer: 4594.673
Remarks: In the first step we have written that 4 ÷ 4 = 0 remainder 4 instead of 4 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 0.
Otherwise, in the following step, we would have to subtract 7*1=7 from 05 which is not possible.
Horner's method is commonly used to find the roots of a polynomial function. However it can also be
used to evaluate the polynomial function for a given value of x.
The usual method of evaluation is to evaluate each product (such as 4*2.41^5 or 7*2.41^3) separately
and then add. The drawback is that to evaluate any power of x, we go through all of the previous powers.
A slightly better method is to make a table of powers of 2.41 and put them in the given polynomial.
But Horner’s method is still more efficient. It results in fewer multiplications and additions and is faster
and more precise when using float variables.
Start with the coefficient of highest power of x as the starting value of the required answer.
It is 4.
4 * 2.41 – 3 = 6.640
Imagine, evaluating the first to fifth powers of 2.41 and doing all those multiplications and additions. Is not
the Horner's method great?
A convenient method of using Horner’s method is to write the computations in the form of Horner’s table
as given below for the above polynomial.
2.41 4 -3 7 6 3 9 Coeff
The first figure is of course the value of x for which polynomial is to be evaluated.
Multiplication tables are a pillar of growing up no matter where you are in the world. Spending most of
fourth grade learning how to multiply up to 12 x 12 was a fun and exciting time, but I was never a fan of
how long it took to multiply larger numbers. I didn’t learned the lattice method until later but as a fan of
matrices in calculus, this alternative method of multiplication appealed to me. Here’s how it works:
Step 1) Draw a. grid 8 x 5 should give you enough space, and make sure it’s large.
Step 2) Reserve the top right of this grid for a 4 x 4 grid. Then draw diagonal lines as the image below
shows. You should have many of those squares divided in half.
Step 3) Enter the numbers you want to multiply in the grid.
Step 4) Multiply number by their respective places: hundreds by hundreds, tens by tens, etc. In this
example, it would be 3 x 4, 7 x 9, and 1 x 2. Take the products of each of these and enter them into the
corresponding square, placing the tens digit in the left triangle and the ones digit on the right triangle. If
there is no tens digit as is the case with 1 x 2, use 0 as a placeholder.
Step 5) Starting from the right (important), add up the numbers in each diagonal column and place them
at the bottom on said diagonal column. Don’t forget to carry!
Step 6) Voilá! The product is 182532!
Is this an easier or more tedious multiplication method for you?
Today I am posting here on QuickerMaths.com, the method which I recommend to my students too.
Or, add 13 + 6 = 19
Fast Multiplication by 5: Multiply by 10 (just place 0 after the original number) and divide the result by 2.
Fast Multiplication by 6: Sometimes subsequent multiplication by 3 and then 2 is easy.
Fast Multiplication by 9: Multiply by 10 (just place 0 after the original number) and subtract the original
number.
Multiply by 12: Multiply by 10 and add twice the original number.
Multiply by 13: Multiply by 3 and add 10 times original number.
Multiply by 14: Multiply by 7 and then multiply by 2
Multiply by 15: Multiply by 10 and add 5 times the original number, as above.
Multiply by 16: You can double four times, if you want to. Or you can multiply by 8 and then by 2.
Multiply by 17: Multiply by 7 and add 10 times original number.
Multiply by 18: Multiply by 20 and subtract twice the original number (which is obvious from the first step).
Multiply by 19: Multiply by 20 and subtract the original number.
Multiply by 24: Multiply by 8 and then multiply by 3.
Multiply by 27: Multiply by 30 and subtract 3 times the original number (which is obvious from the first
step).
Multiply by 45: Multiply by 50 and subtract 5 times the original number (which is obvious from the first
step).
Multiply by 90: Multiply by 9 (as above) and put a zero on the right.
Multiply by 98: Multiply by 100 (just place 00 after the original number)and subtract twice the original
number.
Multiply by 99: Multiply by 100 (just place 00 after the original number)and subtract the original number.
Make 4 hours 55 minutes into one number, which will give us 455 and do the same for the other number,
2 hours 40 minutes, giving us 240.
455
240
------
695
What you need to do is add 40 to the above result. No matter what the hours and minutes are, just add
the constant 40 to the total obtained by adding the time in above manner.
Be Careful
If there is no carryover from minutes to hours and the minutes digits are less than 60, don't add 40. What
you get after first step is your final answer. Say for example, if you have to add 2 hours 20 minutes and 3
hours 35 minutes:
220
335
------
555
Another Illustration
Similarly, if someone is coming after 3 hours 55 minutes and right now the time is 1:35PM, you can use
the above method to find the time of arrival.
355
135
-----
490
Adding 40 + 490, we get 530. Hence the person will arrive at 5:30PM.
So say for example, if you have to add 3 hours 40 minutes, 2 hours 25 minutes and 1 hour 55 minutes,
we can do it like this:
340
225
155
------
720
Adding 40 twice to 720, we get 800. Hence, the answer is 8'o Clock.
Recently one of the regular QuickerMaths visitor stumbled upon a website that claims to read your mind
using some sort of math trick. He got perplexed that how is it possible? How come every time it gives
correct answer? He asked me if I could unravel the secret. Fortunately I could. I am sure many of you
would be able expose the trick behind this mind reading game. At least all of you should try.
Regifting Robin
The website is called Regifting Robin. It asks you to pick any 2 digit number and then subtract the digits
of the number from your two digit number. Say you pick 37. Then you do 37 - 3 - 7 = 27.
On the next screen, you are given grid of numbers, numbered 1 - 99. You are instructed to find the box
with your number (in this case, 27) and read the name of the gift inside the box. Click next and Robin tells
you the gift you selected. You can check this works every time.
Try it yourself
You can do this little cute mathematics trick with your friends or girl-friends. This trick will be applicable for
year 2011. Let me know if you like it.
Step 3. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1761. If you haven't, add 1760.
Step 4. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born. You should end up with a three digit number.
The first digit is the number of times you like chocolate in the week.
Step 2. 6*2=12+5=17*50=850
Step 3. My birthdate is 5th April 1983 and my birthday in 2011 is yet to come. It will be there tomorrow
So we have to add 1761 to 850 = 2611
Here 6 is the number of time I would like to have chocolate and 27 is my age. Isn’t it fun?
Find the answer to these questions instantly using the simple trick given below -
How to find the day of the week on which your birthday will fall next year?
or,
Which day of week was my birthday last year?
Today it is my birthday and somehow I was curious to know the day of the week on which I was born.
Using Microsoft excel I found out that it was Thursday. I also tried listing the day of the week for all my
birthdays till I will be 100 years old. I noticed a very simple but interesting facts about the days on which
our birthday falls.
Every year the day advances by one day from previous year. For example I was born on 5thApril 1984,
Thursday. On my first birthday that is on 5yh April, 1985 it will be Friday.
But on every leap year it advances by 2 days. To understand this please refer the table below -
Date Day
5-Apr-
84 Thursday
5-Apr-
85 Friday
5-Apr-
86 Saturday
5-Apr-
87 Sunday
5-Apr-
88 Tuesday
5-Apr-
89 Wednesday
5-Apr-
90 Thursday
5-Apr-
91 Friday
5-Apr-
92 Sunday
5-Apr-
93 Monday
5-Apr-
94 Tuesday
5-Apr-
95 Wednesday
5-Apr-
96 Friday
As per the above table, you can see from year 1984 to 1987, every year the days were advancing by one
day. But from 1987 to 1988 (leap), increased by 2 days. Then again it from 1988 to 1991 it increases by
one day each year.
So with above logic, now if any one ask me what day was it on my last (2009) birthday, if this year (2010)
my birthday is on Monday. It’s very simple, it was Sunday. And next year (2011) it will be Monday. After
that (2012 – leap year) it will be Wednesday as on a leap year it will increase by 2 days.
Zeller's Rule : With this technique named after its founder Zeller, you can solve any 'Dates
and Calendars' problems.
Zellers rule can be used to find the day on any particular date in the calendar in the history. All you have
to know is the formula given below and how to use it.
Example: 25/03/2009
F = 25 + [{(13 x1)- 1}/5] + 09 + 09/4 + 20/4 - (2 x 20)
= 25 + 12/5 + 09 + 09/4 + 20/4 - 2x20
=25+2+09+2+5-40 [ We will just consider the integral value and ignore the value after decimal]
= 43 - 40 =
Replace the number with the day using the information given below.
1 = Monday
2 = Tuesday
3 = Wednesday
4 = Thursday
5 = Friday
6 = Saturday
7 = Sunday
If the number is more than 7, divide the no. by 7. The remainder will give you the day.
I shall be very grateful if anyone of you can provide me the java script for this formula, so that I can post it
here for everyone's convenience.
Effect of Compounding
The Rule of 72 is a good quick math shortcut to find out the following –
Formulae
1. To calculate the time; T = 72/R
2. To calculate the rate of interest; R= 72/T
T = Time required to double a sum of money at the rate of R% per annum.
For example, if you invest Rs. 10000 with compounding interest at a rate of 9% per annum, the rule of 72
gives 72/9 = 8 years required for the investment to become Rs. 20000; an exact calculation gives 8.0432
years. So there is small margin of approximation.
The above formula is more accurate at lower interest rates (say up till 10%). The approximation error
starts increasing after that.
In our daily life we face enormous application of mathematics. Calculation of equated monthly
installments (EMI) for car or home loan is one such common application of mathematics.
EMI or equated monthly installments is the most popular form of loan payment. It is a fixed amount of
repayment made every month towards the loan, which includes payment towards both principal and
interest. Most of us always believe the bank executives blindly on the figure which they quote as EMI.
This post is to explain the mathematics behind EMI and how to calculate it in excel using inbuilt excel
function.
Calculation of EMI
EMI= P x r x (1 + r)^n / ((1+r)^n -1)
Here p = principal amount (loan taken)
r = interest rate per month (ex: if interest rate per annum is 10% then 10/(12*100))
n= tenure in months
For example,
EMI = 100000*0.01*(1+0.01)^24 /((1+0.01)^24 -1) = 4707
Where,
This formula assumes, EMI payment is made at the end of each period (month). This is also called EMI in
arrears. If EMI is paid at the beginning of each period it is called EMI in advance.
Further additions will be done on EMI for any other processing fee or possible charges which may be
applicable as per the rules of financing institutions (bank).
Type – we have to put the value either 0 or 1. If payments are made at the beginning (EMI in advance) of
each period, 1 is used. If EMI payments are made at the end of the period (EMI in arrears) put 0. If
omitted 0 is taken a default value.
In the post titled Trigonometry Formula Memorization Trick, I agreed to write about a simple memory trick
for memorizing the value of all major angles of different trigonometry ratios like sin30, cos45, tan60, etc.
So here you go –
Let’s start with most commonly used angles of Sin. The angles are 0°, 30° (π/6), 45° (π/4), 60° (π/3), 90°
(π/2). For these angles we’ve to make fractions for which we’ve to write 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the numerators
and write 4 in the denominator of each fraction. After that take the square root of each of these fractions
and there you are. Refer to the table below for better understanding.
For Cosine we simply have to write the results of Sin in reverse order. Refer to the table below. The
values in the Cos row is in reverse order to that of Sin row.
Tan is very simple. You just have to remember that Tan=Sin/Cos. Hence, to get the value of Tan we’ve to
divide values of angles of Sin from SinA row by values of angles of Cos from CosA row.
I am glad that of late, many QuickerMaths.com readers have started participating actively in discussions
(comments) under various posts. A quick calculation trick/technique/method from your side can also be
posted on QuickerMaths.com. You just have to write it properly and send it to me at
vineetpatawari@gmail.com. Don't forget to write a brief description (2-3 lines) of yours, to be added at
the end of the post.
In this post I’ll share with you a useful shortcut maths trick for “finding out the sum of consecutive
numbers”. For example, this trick I am talking about can help you in finding the sum of all the numbers
from 23 to 31 or any other set of numbers.
Shortcut Addition Trick
Add the smallest number to the largest number of the given set of consecutive numbers. Then multiply
the result by the number of numbers in the set. Finally divide the result by two.
Step 2: Multiply the result by the number of numbers in the above set. In the above set there are 9
numbers from 23 to 31.
Therefore, multiply 54 by 9
54 x 9 = 486
486/2 = 243
So now, since you know this simple calculation trick, you don’t have to add up each number individually
to get the answer. With a little practice, this trick might become a good tool to save lot of your time.
If you want to suggest some additions or modification in the above method, feel free to post your
suggestion as comment below.
I am glad to include the suggestions posted as comment below, for the benefit of everyone.
Any number can be expressed in different ways. For example, 5 can be expressed as 10x(1/2).
Trick: Multiplication by 5
Step 1: Multiply the number by 10, i.e. simply place a zero after the number.
Example 1:
5 × 136 = ten times of 136 i.e. 1360 should be divided by 2 = 1360/2 = 680
Example 2:
5 × 343, half of 3430 is 1715
Instead of multiplying the number by 10 we have to multiply by 100. So we have to place two zeroes after
the number.
Example 1:
50 × 136 = hundred times of 136 i.e. 13600 should be divided by 2 = 13600/2 = 6800
Example 2:
50 × 647 = hundred times of 647 i.e. 64700 should be divided by 2 = 64700/2 = 32350
Same logic can be extended to numbers like 500, 5000 and so on.
Trick: Multiplication by 25
For multiplication by 25, we have to go one step further, 25=100 x (1/2) x (1/2)
Step 1: Multiply the number by 100, i.e. simply place two zeroes after the number.
Example 1:
25 × 136 = hundred times of 136 i.e. 13600 should be divided by 2 = 13600/2 = 6800. Again halve this
number, 6800/2 = 3400
Example 2:
25 × 343, half of 34300 is 17150. Again half of 17150 is 8575.
The above logic can also be extended to numbers like 250, 2500 and so on.
Then we use the coefficients of the powers of 4 to form the number as represented in base 4:
100 = 1 2 1 0 base 4
Now since we have to convert 117 into binary we have to express 117 as the sum of the powers of 2.
Obviously all the powers need to be less than 128 (=2^7)
This method is less of calculation and more of application of mind and needs a lot of practice to master.
The other way to do this, which is more frequently used, is to repeatedly divide the decimal number by
the base in which it is to be converted, until the quotient becomes zero. As the number is divided, the
remainders - in reverse order - form the digits of the number in the other base.
2/6 = 0 remainder 2
The answer is formed by taking the remainders in reverse order: 214 in base 6
Multiplication of a decimal Fraction by a Power of 10: Rule: Shift the decimal point to the right by as
many places of decimal as is the power of 10.
Multiplication of Decimal fractions:- Rule :-Multiply the given numbers considering them without the
decimal point. Now, in the product, the decimal point is marked off to obtain as many places of decimal
as is the sum of the number of decimal in the given numbers.
Dividing a Decimal fraction By a Counting Number
Rule: - Divide the given number without considering the decimal point by the given counting number.
Now, in the quotient, put the decimal point to give as many places of decimal as are there in the
dividend.
Dividing a Decimal fraction By a Decimal Fraction
Rule: - Multiply both the dividend and the divisor by a suitable power of 10 to make divisor a whole
number. Now, proceed as above.
H. C. F. & L. C. M. of Decimal fractions:- Rule :- In given numbers, make the same number of decimal
places by annexing zeros in some numbers, if necessary. Considering these numbers as without
decimal point, find H. C. F. or, L.C.M., as the case may be. Now, in the result, make off as many decimal
places as are there in each of the given numbers.
Is 1 a Prime Number?
Friends, in one of the post where I have described ‘Prime’ and ‘Composite’ Numbers, one of the curious
visitor have asked me a very logical question. I will quote that question for your reference –
Text from Previous post-
“Prime and Composite : Any integer which is divisible by 1 and itself only is called a prime number.
unquote
quote
N.B.: 1 is not a prime number.”
Question
Could you explaine what is the creteria thar excludes 1 from the list of prime numbers?
a) 1 is integer
b) 1 is divisible by 1 and itself (1)
Since anybody in the past has declared that 1 is not prime number, why we should follow this without
thinking and contravene the general rule for prime numbers?
Is 1 as a figure is something which has come from the thin air. It is and always will be an integer. The
criteria for 2 are the same – divisible by 1 and itself. And for all prime numbers.
Most probably the 1 is “guilty” because with 1 starts the series on numbers (natural, odd or prime).
Suppose 2 was the beginning of the series. Should we ignore 2, because series starts with 2?
My Explanation-
1 can be rejected being a prime number because of the given reasons-
The "real" definition of a prime number is "a natural number that has exactly two distinct natural number
divisors." This definition can be considered little confusing for general masses. This in essence means "
Any integer which is divisible by 1 and itself only is called a prime number.", which is easier to digest. The
only problem is that if one uses that phrasing, the number 1 is a little grey zone case. "Well, it is divisible
by 1, and it is divisible by itself," you could think. "Isn't it also a prime number then?"
No, not by the official definition, because it only has a single natural number divisor: 1. This is why the
"exception" had to be made, that 1 is not a prime number.
In short: the definition as we know it is a simplification that doesn't work completely - except if we specify
that 1 is not included.
It is indeed very crucial to make the distinction. If we consider 1 not to be a prime number, then any
composite number (such as 20) can be written as a product of primes in only one way (here, 2*2*5), not
counting different orders. However, if 1 were a prime number, there would be infinitely many ways! We
could write 20 for example, as 2*2*5, or 1*2*2*5, or 1*1*1*1*1*2*2*5. Having only one way to write a
number as a product of primes is very useful when doing math.
Even and Odd: Any integer which is divisible by two is called an even number. Any integer which is not
divisible by two is called an odd number.
N.B.: Zero has not been categorized in either of the two categories.
Prime and Composite : Any integer which is divisible by 1 and itself only is called a prime
number. All integers which are not prime are calledcomposite number as they are composed of two or
more prime numbers.
N.B.: 1 is not a prime number.
Positive and negative: Any number which is greater than 0 is positive. Any number less than that is
negative.
Perfect numbers:- If the sum of the divisors of N, excluding N itself, is equal to N, then N is called a
perfect number. e.g. 6, 28, 496, 8128 etc.
6 = 1 + 2 + 3;
28 = 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14;
What is the difference between Integers and whole numbers and natural numbers?
or,
Can whole numbers and natural numbers be negative integers?
A whole number is a positive integer including zero. The set of natural numbers is the set of positive
integers beginning at one.
Vulgar Fraction: The fractions such us 3/11, 5/14, 2/10, 67/100 are called common or vulgar fractions.
Imaginary Number: Any number which is of the form √ -1´a is an imaginary number
Real Number: Any number which is not an imaginary number is a real Real Number. Real Numbers may
be divided into two category:
Rational Number: A number which can be represented in the form of p/q where p and q are integers and
q is not equal to 0.
Irrational Number: A number which cannot be expressed in the form of p/q is called an irrational
number.
1/2 = .5 = 50%
You also know 2 of the 4ths, as well, so there's only one new one to learn:
1/4 = .25
2/4 = 1/2 = .5
3/4 = .75
Fifths are very easy. Take the numerator (the number on top), double it, and stick a
1/5 = .2
2/5 = .4
3/5 = .6
4/5 = .8
There are only two new decimal equivalents to learn with the 6ths:
1/6 = .1666...
3/6 = 1/2 = .5
4/6 = 2/3 = .666...
5/6 = .8333...
1/7 = .142857...
2/7 = .285714...
3/7 = .428571...
4/7 = .571428...
5/7 = .714285...
6/7 = .857142...
Notice that the 6 digits in the 7ths ALWAYS stay in the same order and the starting digit is the only thing
that changes.
If you know your multiples of 14 up to 6, it isn't difficult to work out where to begin the decimal number.
Look at this:
For 1/7, think "1 * 14", giving us .14 as the starting point.
For 2/7, think "2 * 14", giving us .28 as the starting point.
For 3/7, think "3 * 14", giving us .42 as the starting point.
For 4/7, think "(4 * 14) + 1", giving us .57 as the starting point.
For 5/7, think "(5 * 14) + 1", giving us .71 as the starting point.
For 6/7, think "(6 * 14) + 1", giving us .85 as the starting point.
8ths aren't that hard to learn, as they're just smaller steps than 4ths. If you have trouble
with any of the 8ths, find the nearest 4th, and add .125 if needed:
1/8 = .125
3/8 = .375
4/8 = 1/2 = .5
5/8 = .625
7/8 = .875
1/9 = .111...
2/9 = .222...
....
8/9 = .888...
10ths are very easy, as well. Just put a decimal in front of the numerator:
1/10 = .1
2/10 = .2
...
9/10 = .9
Remember how easy 9ths were? 11th are easy in a similar way, assuming you know your multiples of 9:
.....
10/11 = .909090...
As long as you can remember the pattern for each fraction, it is quite simple to work out
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, the learner has learnt about:
1. Square each digit individually, making sure that you get a two-digit number for each square. If the
number is low and its square gives you only one digit, use 0 as a placeholder.
2. Now, multiply the two digits and double your answer, adding a 0 to the end.
This is the most common, yet very interesting trick of Vedic Maths. Using this technique you can find the
square of any number ending in 5 very easily. Given below is the step by step explanation of thisVedic
Maths Method
Let us take a 2 digit number,
For example,
952= 9 x 10 | 25 = 9025
1252 = 12 x 13 | 25 = 15625
5052 = 50 x 51 | 25 = 255025
Test yourself
Find out the square of 85, 245, 145, 35, 15, and 95?
Answer: 7225, 60025, 21025, 1225, 225, 9025
Step 1 Divide into groups of three from the right. 245782 245
782
______________________________________________________________-1 1
Step 2. Write 1,-1,1,-1(alternate 1 and -1) in a row above the number 245 782
( start at the right end and go left)
____________________________________________________________-1 1
Step 3. Divide each Group by 7 (or 11 or 13, whatever the divisor is ) 245 782
0 5
* You can avoid step 2, by simply subtracting first remainder from the second. In this case it will be
simply, 5 – 0 = 5
Step 4. Multiply the corresponding numbers in the top row and bottom row and add 0x -1 + 5x 1 = 5
** Step 4 can also be avoided.
Step 5. a. If the sum obtained is zero, The number is divisible by 7 (or 11 or 13 )
b. If the sum is positive, then that is the remainder when we divide the number by 7 ( or 11 or 13 )
c. If the sum is negative, then add 7 (or 11 or 13 ) to get the remainder.
The sum is always less than the divisor.
In the example given, the sum is 5 . Which can be verified.
When 245782 is divided by 7 by long division, the quotient is 35111 and remainder is 5.
Subtract 2 times the last digit from remaining Check for 945: : 94-
truncated number. Repeat the step as necessary. If (2*5)=84. Since 84 is
the result is divisible by 7, the original number is divisible by 7, the original
7 also divisible by 7 no. 945 is also divisible
19 Add 2 times the last digit to the remaining Check for 11343::
truncated number. Repeat the step as necessary. If 1134+(2*3)= 1140. (Ignore
the result is divisible by 19, the original number is the 0):: 11+(2*4) = 19. Since
19 is divisible by 19, original
also divisible by 19 no. 11343 is also divisible
Subtract 3 times the last digit from remaining Check for 49507:: 4950-
truncated number. Repeat the step as necessary. If (3*7)=4929 :: 492-(3*9) ::
the result is divisible by 31, the original number is 465:: 46-(3*5)=31. Hence
31 also divisible by 31 49507 is divisible by 31
Notes:
In applying the above methods, stop repeating the step of adding or subtracting (as the case may be)
from the remaining truncated number as soon as you realize that the truncated number is divisible by the
given number.
While carrying the above process if during addition/subtraction any time the last digit is 0, that has to be
ignored.
Divisibility Rules with Examples
Subtract 2 times the last digit from remaining Check for 945: : 94-
truncated number. Repeat the step as necessary. If (2*5)=84. Since 84 is
the result is divisible by 7, the original number is divisible by 7, the original
7 also divisible by 7 no. 945 is also divisible
Subtract 3 times the last digit from remaining Check for 49507:: 4950-
truncated number. Repeat the step as necessary. If (3*7)=4929 :: 492-(3*9) ::
the result is divisible by 31, the original number is 465:: 46-(3*5)=31. Hence
31 also divisible by 31 49507 is divisible by 31
Notes:
In applying the above methods, stop repeating the step of adding or subtracting (as the case may be)
from the remaining truncated number as soon as you realize that the truncated number is divisible by the
given number.
While carrying the above process if during addition/subtraction any time the last digit is 0, that has to be
ignored.
Or, add 13 + 6 = 19
Second part, to get right hand side of the answer: multiply the difference from 100 of both the numbers
Example
103 x 104 = 10712
The answer is in two parts: 107 and 12,
107 is just 103 + 4 (or 104 + 3), and 12 is just 3 x 4.
Similarly 107 x 106 = 11342
107 + 6 = 113 and 7 x 6 = 42
123 x 103 = 12669
(123 + 3) | (23 x 3) = 126 | 69 =12669 .
If the multiplication of the offsets is more than 100 then this method won’t work. For example 123 x 105.
Here offsets are 23 and 5.
Multiplication of 23 and 5 is 115 which are more than 100. So this method won’t work.
But it can still work with a little modification. Consider the following examples:
Example 1
122 x 123 = 15006
Step 1: 22 x 23 = 506 (as done earlier)
Step 2: 122 + 23 (as done earlier)
Step 3: Add the 5 (digit at 100s place) of 506 to step 2
Answer: (122 + 23 + 5) | (22 x 23) = 150 | 06 = 10506
Example 2
123 x 105 (Different representation but same method)
123 + 5 = 128
23 x 5 = 115
128 | 115
= 12915
In the next post I'll tell you about vedic multiplication, i.e., how to multiply two numbers lesser than the
base (in this case 100).
Horner's method is commonly used to find the roots of a polynomial function. However it can also be
used to evaluate the polynomial function for a given value of x.
The usual method of evaluation is to evaluate each product (such as 4*2.41^5 or 7*2.41^3) separately
and then add. The drawback is that to evaluate any power of x, we go through all of the previous powers.
A slightly better method is to make a table of powers of 2.41 and put them in the given polynomial.
But Horner’s method is still more efficient. It results in fewer multiplications and additions and is faster
and more precise when using float variables.
Start with the coefficient of highest power of x as the starting value of the required answer.
It is 4.
4 * 2.41 – 3 = 6.640
6.640 * 2.41 + 7 = 23.002
Imagine, evaluating the first to fifth powers of 2.41 and doing all those multiplications and additions. Is not
the Horner's method great?
A convenient method of using Horner’s method is to write the computations in the form of Horner’s table
as given below for the above polynomial.
2.41 4 -3 7 6 3 9 Coeff
The first figure is of course the value of x for which polynomial is to be evaluated.
This post is contributed by Nandeesh Nagarajaia. He is a Chemical Engineer who did his B.Tech from
NIT Suratkal. He is now in IT field as Assistant General Manager(Systems) in Hindustan Copper
Limited. He love Maths and enjoy teaching Maths to his sons.
Square (also called perfect square) is an integer that is the square of an integer; in other words, it is the
product of some integer with itself. So, for example, 9 is a square number, since it can be written as 3 ×
3.
How to find the square of any number?
To apply this method you should know squares of 1 to 25 by heart. You can refer to this table to learn the
same.
1 1 13 169
2 4 14 196
3 9 15 225
4 16 16 256
5 25 17 289
6 36 18 324
7 49 19 361
8 64 20 400
9 81 21 441
10 100 22 484
11 121 23 529
12 144 24 576
* * 25 625
Step 3. Then add the square of the difference to the result of step 1
Step 3. Then add the square of the difference to the result of step 1
Example
Find out the Square of 67.
67^2
We will be getting answer in 2 parts; see below – right hand side gives you tens and units digit. Left hand
side gives you the remaining digits.
3 0.48 12 1.08
4 0.60 13 1.11
5 0.70 14 1.15
6 0.78 15 1.18
7 0.85 16 1.20
8 0.90 17 1.23
9 0.95 18 1.26
19 1.28
Note: Logarithm of 11 is 1.04. It means log 1.1 = 0.04. Log 5 = log (10/2) = log10 – log 2.
With the above figures in hand you can do a lot of calculations quite easily.
Since logarithm of 1.2 is 0.08 and logarithm of 1.3 is 0.11, antilog of 0.10 is about 1.26.
From the above table, we can see that in this interval, logarithm of 13 is 1.11.
4.873 / 3 = 1.624.
his is an amazing trick which was always appreciated by the audience I have addressed in various
workshops. This awe inspiring technique helps you find out the cube root of a 4 or 5 or 6 digits number
mentally.
Before going further on the method to find the cube root, please make a note of the following points –
1) Cube of a 2-digit number will have at max 6 digits (99^3 = 970,299). That implies if you are given with
a 6 digit number, its cube root will have 2 digits.
2) This trick works only for perfect cubes, it will not work for any arbitrary 6-digit
3) It works only for integers
Now let us start with the trick to find cube root of a 5 or 6 digit number in vedic mathematic way.
Say you have to find the cube root of 54872. It is known that it’s a perfect cube.
Now divide this number into two parts. The right hand side should always have 3 digits. Remaining digits
will come in left hand side. Do it as shown below.
54 | 872
You know the answer will have 2 digits. Digit at tens place and digit at units place. We will get the digit at
tens place using the left hand side of the original number (54) and digit at units place using right hand
side of the number (872)
Step 1.
Memorize these tables (very soon you will know why) –
Table 1: Cube of 1 to 10
Numbe Cub
r e
1 1
2 8
3 27
4 64
5 125
6 216
7 343
8 512
9 729
100
10 0
1 1
2 8
3 7
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 3
8 2
9 9
0 0
Step 2.
For left hand side we need to use table 1. We have to see between which 2 numbers in the 2nd column do
54 lies. In this case it lies between 27 and 64. So we will take the cube root of the smaller number i.e. 27
which is 3.
So 3 is the tens digit of the answer.
Step 3.
For right hand side we need to use table 2. Since our original number (the perfect cube) ends in 2 (see
54872), its cube root will ends in 8.
Thus the units digit will be 8.
Thus (54872)^1/3 = 38
You might also be interested in the trick of finding square root of any number
We can look at the square root as the average of the factor and the quotient.
If you divide N by a number x which is not the square root, you will get the quotient different from the
square root.
However the average of the factor and the quotient is closer to the actual root than the starting number x.
Take the average of the factor 20 and the quotient 25 which is 22.5.
This 22.5 is closer to the actual root of 500 than the initial estimate of 20.
500/22.5 = 22.2222
For more accuracy, we can repeat the step once again to get the next estimate as 22.36068.
I love to extend this Heron’s method for finding any root of any number.
For finding cube root, divide twice and take the average of the two divisors and the final quotient.
For finding fourth root, divide thrice and take the average of the three divisors and the final quotient.
You can repeat the above process with the starting number as 43 (No need to start with 43.05292).
Even if you start with a very wild initial guess, you will only need a few more iterations to reach the
answer.
Step 3: 196 / 20 = 10
Repeat the above process with the starting number as say 17.
Step 3: 272 / 17 = 16
Tips: Start with a convenient round figure as the initial guess to make divisions easier. The next starting
number can again be rounded or adjusted for easing future divisions."
Fast Multiplication by 5: Multiply by 10 (just place 0 after the original number) and divide the result by 2.
Fast Multiplication by 6: Sometimes subsequent multiplication by 3 and then 2 is easy.
Fast Multiplication by 9: Multiply by 10 (just place 0 after the original number) and subtract the original
number.
Multiply by 12: Multiply by 10 and add twice the original number.
Multiply by 13: Multiply by 3 and add 10 times original number.
Multiply by 14: Multiply by 7 and then multiply by 2
Multiply by 15: Multiply by 10 and add 5 times the original number, as above.
Multiply by 16: You can double four times, if you want to. Or you can multiply by 8 and then by 2.
Multiply by 17: Multiply by 7 and add 10 times original number.
Multiply by 18: Multiply by 20 and subtract twice the original number (which is obvious from the first step).
Multiply by 19: Multiply by 20 and subtract the original number.
Multiply by 24: Multiply by 8 and then multiply by 3.
Multiply by 27: Multiply by 30 and subtract 3 times the original number (which is obvious from the first
step).
Multiply by 45: Multiply by 50 and subtract 5 times the original number (which is obvious from the first
step).
Multiply by 90: Multiply by 9 (as above) and put a zero on the right.
Multiply by 98: Multiply by 100 (just place 00 after the original number)and subtract twice the original
number.
Multiply by 99: Multiply by 100 (just place 00 after the original number)and subtract the original number.
1248
Step II: In the above row our 2nd and 3rd digits (from right) are 4 and 2 respectively. So, we write down 8
and 4 below 4 and 2 respectively. Then add up the two rows.
Ex 2: 163 = ?
Soln:
Explanations: 13 (from 16) = 1. So, 1 is our first digit in the first row. Digits of 16 are in the ratio 1:6, hence
our other digits should be 1×6 = 6, 6×6 = 36, 36×6 = 216. In the second row, double the 2nd and
3rd number is written. In the third row, we have to write down only one digit below each column (except
under the last column which may have more than one digit). So, after putting down the unit-digit, we carry
over the rest to add up with the left-hand column. Here,
i) Write down 6 of 216 and carry over 21.
o The left hand side of the answer: subtract 1 from 789, which is 788
o The right hand side of the answer subtract 789 from 1000 = 1000-789= 211
Thus, 999 x 789 = 789-1 | 1000-789 = 788, 211 (answer)
{for the right hand side of the answer, 789 should be subtracted from (999+1)}
= 7799922
=120357887964 21
Number in red is 1 less than 1203579. Number in blue is (10000000-1203579). Hence the answer.
This method has to be altered a little bit when number of 9s are lessers than the number of digit in the
divisor.
So for multiplication with 9, put a zero after that number and subtract the number itself from that.
Lot of students gets confused while finding out the average speed, when various distances are travelled
with different speed. Say for example, trip to Agra from Delhi is made at an average speed of 40 km/hr
and the trip back at an average speed of 60 km/hr. Find their average speed for the entire trip. (Hint: It's
Not 50 Km/hr)
Rule: If a person travels a distance at a speed of x km/hr and the same distance at a speed of y km/hr,
then the average speed during the whole journey is given by 2xy/x + y km/hr.
Or, If a person travels half the distance at a speed of x km/hr and the other half at a speed of y km/hr,
then the average speed during the whole journey is given by 2xy/x + y km/hr.
(2*60*40)/(60+40) Â = 48 Km/hr
If a person travels three equal distances at a speed of x km/hr, y km/hr and z km/hr respectively, then the
average speed during the whole journey is 3xyz/xy + yz + xz km/hr.
This problem can also be dealt with assuming some hypothetical distance.
Cyclicity
In CAT and other MBA entrance examinations you get questions based on cyclicity every year. Here we
are explaining in details the concept of cyclicity and how it should be used for solving problems.
If they are multiplied, the answer is 4171. The last digit of the product is same as the last digit of 3 x 7.
Hence, it is 1.
This concept could be extended to a host of situations. An interesting pattern emerges when we look at
the exponents of the numbers. We would find conclusions as given below.
The last digits of the exponents of all numbers have cyclicity i.e. every Nth power of the base shall have
the same last digit, if N is the cyclicity of the number. All numbers ending with 2, 3, 7, 8 have a cyclicity of
4.
For instance,
The same set of the last digits shall be repeated for the subsequent powers. So, if we want to find the last
digit of (say) 2^45, divide 45 by 4.
The remainder is 1
So the last digit would be the same as last digit of 2^1, which is 2
(3) The digit in the unit place of the number represented by (795 – 358) is
A. 7
B. 0
C. 6
D. 4
Answer: D (4)
Cycle of 7 is
7 1=7
7 2=49
7 3= 343
7 4= 2401
If we divide 95 by 4, the remainder will be 3.
So the last digit of (7)95 is equals to the last digit of (7)3 i.e. 3.
Cycle of 7 is
31 =3
32 =9
33= 27
34= 81
35= 243
If we divide 58 by 4, the remainder will be 2.
The content in this post is a part of FireUp's Free E-Book on Number System. Click on Online CAT
Preparation to download
Working out similarly for all other digits we get
CYCLICITY TABLE
1 1
2 4
3 4
4 2
5 1
6 1
7 4
8 4
9 2
10 1
DIVISIBILITY RULE INCLUDING 7 & 13
Many different ways to test divisibility by seven have been devised. Some are long and complex, a few
involve rewriting the digits, and one even consists of a grid-like box. We have chosen one of the more
simplistic versions even though in almost every case it is quicker to merely perform long division.
The same idea works if the sum of the two digits is not a single digit, but you should write down the last
digit of the sum twice, but remember to carry if needed. So
57x111= 6327
because 5+7=12, but then you have to carry the one twice.
Similarly,
241x111 = 26751
(Because of the carries, it may be easier to do the sums and write the answer down from right to left.)
This Vedic Maths Subtraction method found as sutra in ancient vedas, is given below is very useful for
such subtractions.
Memory Trick: ALL FROM 9 AND THE LAST FROM 10
Use the formula all from 9 and the last from 10, to perform instant subtractions.
This always works for subtractions from numbers consisting of a 1 followed by noughts: 100; 1000;
10,000 etc.
Similarly 10,000 - 1049 = 8951 (subtraction from 10000)
9-1 = 8
9-0 = 9
9-4 = 5
10-9 = 1
So answer is 8951,
For 1000 - 83, in which we have more zeros than figures in the numbers being subtracted, we simply
suppose 83 is 083.
So 1000 - 83 becomes 1000 - 083 = 917
Corollary: If last term is 0, keep that last term as 0 and subtract the last non Zero term from 10 .