Some Hindu Mathematics

One way the early Hindu mathematicians added larger numbers from left to right, instead of right to left. The idea of carrying was still used, but a little backwards from the contemporary method of addition. So, say we want to add 242 and 589.

Then we would line up the numbers according to place value as we do today. First, we would add the hundreds column to get 7, and we would write this above the numbers being added, rather than below. Next, we add the tens column. This gives us 12, so we place a 2 in the tens column, and add 1 to the hundreds column. We mark out the 7 and write a 8. Lastly, we add the ones column. This gives us 11, so we place a 1 in the ones column, and add one to the tens column. This gives us 13 in the tens column, so we place a 3 in the tens column. So, the final answer is 831.

Multiplication and division was also computed form left to right!

Which method do you like better?

Early Hindu mathematicians also added larger numbers as follows:

Add the ones digits: 2+9= _11

Add the tens digits: 4+8= 12_

Add the hundreds digits: 5+2= 7_ _

Make sure these sums represent the value they take the place of. For example, in this case the sum of the ones digits is 11. So a 1 remains in the ones place, and a 1 is in the tens place. With the tens digits, the sum is 12. So a 2 remains in the tens column, and a 1 is moved to the hundreds column. This is essentially the idea of carrying. Lastly, we add sum the sums! Again, keep the sums in the proper place values! So

Source: Eves, H. (1990). An introduction to the history of mathematics, 6^th Edition. Pacific Grove: Thompson Learning, Inc.

Back to History