Russian Math (To Be Used in Future Metaphors)

In Russia, there are no multiplication tables. Seriously. Russian schoolchildren need not memorize anything further than 2x (that's two times a number for those of you who were busy huffing glue with Zachary instead of attending high-school algebra). It's mind-blowing... Math is not a universal language.

Let's pretend you want to multiply 11 times 51, and you're a Russian. (Pay attention, as this will prove moderately relevant in future blog entries. (If you still don't care about this, there's info on the upcoming TBA album here.))

First you'd take the 11, divide it by two, and forget any digits after the decimal point. 11/2 = 5.5, so 5 is the number you're looking for. You take the 5 and place it directly under the eleven, like this:

11 x 51
5

Then you'd take the 5, divide it by 2, and forget about any digits after the decimal point, placing your results under the five. 5/2 = 2.5, so we're looking for a 2. You repeat this process until you have a 1 at the bottom of your column, like this:

11 x 51
5
2
1

(In Russian multiplication, the left-hand column must always end with a 1.)

Next, you double the second number of the initial equation--which is 51 in this case--and place the result under it:

11 x 51
5 -- 102
2
1

Continue doubling the numbers in the right column until its height matches that of the column on the left:

11 x 51
5 -- 102
2 -- 204
1 -- 408

Now tally the numbers on the right, ignoring those that correspond with even numbers on the left:

11 x 51
5 -- 102
2 -- 204 <-- This row is to be ignored, as is shares space with an even number
1 -- 408
__________
----561

There you have it, 11 x 51 = 561... Russian math. (Try it with any group of numbers, it's not a trick.)

Congratulations, you're one step closer to becoming a Russian Mathematician!

-Ben Lee

Categories: Ben_Lee, Ben_Lee_Rants, Life_Lesson, Russian_Math, Zachary