E-Chapter: Unit II – Vedic Math
Mastering Multiplication with the Urdhva Tiryak Sutra (Vertical and Crosswise)
Introduction to the Urdhva Tiryak Sutra
The Urdhva Tiryak Sutra, meaning "Vertically and Crosswise," is one of the most
versatile techniques in Vedic Mathematics. It simplifies multiplication by breaking down
complex calculations into smaller, manageable steps. Unlike conventional methods
that rely on sequential digit-by-digit multiplication, this sutra uses a combination of
vertical and diagonal operations, enabling faster computation with reduced mental
strain.
Historical Context:
This sutra originates from the Vedic Sutras, ancient Indian mathematical texts attributed
to scholars like Bharati Krishna Tirthaji. It reflects the ingenuity of Vedic seers in
optimizing arithmetic for both speed and accuracy.
1. Understanding the Urdhva Tiryak Technique
The method involves multiplying digits in three distinct patterns:
1. Vertically (multiplying the digits in the same place).
2. Crosswise (multiplying digits diagonally).
3. Summing the intermediate results with proper carry-over management.
Applicability:
• Works for numbers of any length (2-digit, 3-digit, or more).
• Effective for both integers and decimals.
2. Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s explore the method with increasing complexity:
Case 1: Multiplying Two 2-Digit Numbers
Example: Multiply 24×3124×31.
Steps:
1. Write the numbers vertically:
24
×31
-------
2. Multiply Vertically (Rightmost digits):
o 4×1=44×1=4 → Units place.
3. Multiply Crosswise and Add:
o (2×1)+(4×3)=2+12=14(2×1)+(4×3)=2+12=14 → Tens place (write 4, carry
over 1).
4. Multiply Vertically (Leftmost digits):
o 2×3=62×3=6 → Add the carried 1: 6+1=76+1=7 → Hundreds place.
5. Combine Results:
7 (Hundreds) | 4 (Tens) | 4 (Units) → **744**
Verification: 24×31=74424×31=744.
Case 2: Multiplying Two 3-Digit Numbers
Example: Multiply 123×456123×456.
Steps:
1. Write the numbers vertically:
123
×456
---------
2. Compute Products in 5 Steps (from right to left):
o Step 1: Units place → 3×6=183×6=18 → Write 8, carry 1.
o Step 2: Crosswise (2,3) and (5,6):
(2×6)+(3×5)=12+15=27(2×6)+(3×5)=12+15=27 → Add carry 1 → 28. Write 8,
carry 2.
o Step 3: Crosswise (1,3), (2,5), (4,6):
(1×6)+(2×5)+(3×4)=6+10+12=28(1×6)+(2×5)+(3×4)=6+10+12=28 → Add
carry 2 → 30. Write 0, carry 3.
o Step 4: Crosswise (1,5), (2,4):
(1×5)+(2×4)=5+8=13(1×5)+(2×4)=5+8=13 → Add carry 3 → 16. Write 6, carry
1.
o Step 5: Hundreds place → 1×4=41×4=4 → Add carry 1 → 5.
3. Combine Results:
5 (Lakhs) | 6 (Ten Thousands) | 0 (Thousands) | 8 (Hundreds) | 8 (Tens) | 8 (Units)
→ **56,088**
Verification: 123×456=56,088123×456=56,088.
3. Visual Representation
For 24×3124×31:
2 4
×3 1
---------
(2×3) | [(2×1)+(4×3)] | (4×1)
6 | 14 | 4
---------
7 | 4 | 4
4. Handling Carry-Over Efficiently
• Always write down the carry above the next column.
• For decimals: Align the numbers by the decimal point and apply the same
method.
Example: 3.2×1.53.2×1.5:
1. Ignore decimals initially: 32×15=48032×15=480.
2. Adjust for decimal places (1+1=21+1=2): 4.804.80.
5. Advanced Applications
Multiplying Numbers with Different Digit Lengths
Example: 234×56234×56.
1. Pad the shorter number with a leading zero: 056056.
2. Apply Urdhva Tiryak:
234
×056
---------
3. Follow the 3-digit method. Result: 13,104.
Multiplying by 11, 111, or Series of 1’s
Shortcut:
• For 123×11123×11:
o Write 11, then 1+21+2, then 2+32+3, then 33: 1353.
6. Comparison with Conventional Multiplication
Aspect Urdhva Tiryak Standard Method
Steps Parallel operations reduce steps. Sequential digit-by-digit.
Mental Load Minimal carry management. Heavy carry tracking.
Speed Faster for large numbers. Slower as digit count increases.
Error Rate Lower due to systematic approach. Higher with complex numbers.
7. Practice Problems
1. Compute 45×6745×67.
2. Multiply 789×321789×321.
3. Solve 12.3×4.512.3×4.5.
4. Challenge: Compute 999×999999×999.
Solutions:
1. 45×67=3,01545×67=3,015
2. 789×321=253,269789×321=253,269
3. 12.3×4.5=55.3512.3×4.5=55.35
4. 999×999=998,001999×999=998,001
8. Real-World Applications
• Competitive Exams: Solve multiplication in seconds (e.g., banking, GMAT).
• Daily Budgeting: Quickly compute grocery totals or discounts.
• STEM Fields: Simplify large-number calculations in physics or coding.
9. Common Mistakes & Tips
Mistakes:
• Forgetting crosswise pairs.
• Incorrect carry-over placement.
Tips:
• Practice with grid paper to align digits.
• Start with 2-digit numbers before advancing.
10. Exercises for Mastery
1. Multiply 88×7788×77 using Urdhva Tiryak.
2. Compute 654×237654×237.
3. Reflect: How does this method enhance mental math agility?
Key Takeaways
• The Urdhva Tiryak Sutra transforms multiplication into a structured, error-
resistant process.
• Mastery requires practice but offers lifelong computational efficiency.
• This ancient technique remains relevant in modern education and professions.
Final Task: Record a video explaining 143×256143×256 using this method and share it
with peers!
“The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make
complicated things simple.”
– Adapted from Stan Gudder
