The Nikhilam Sutra

The Nikhilam Sutra is a versatile and powerful method for multiplying numbers that are close to a power of 10 (like 10, 100, 1000). It simplifies complex multiplication into easy addition and subtraction.

The "Base Method" Rule 🎯

The answer comes in two parts, a left and a right side. We find them by seeing how far our numbers are from the base.

Example: 98 × 97

1. Choose a Base: Both numbers are close to 100.
2. Find Deficiencies: 98 is 2 less than 100 (-2). 97 is 3 less than 100 (-3).
3. Right Part: Multiply deficiencies: (-2) × (-3) = 6. The base 100 has two zeros, so we write 06.
4. Left Part: Cross-subtract: 98 - 3 = 95 (or 97 - 2 = 95).
5. Combine: The answer is 9506.