Simple Math

I believe in delivering on promises. In this case, to publicise a book. Well, I wouldve done it anyway. the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, by mark haddon (reincarnation of e.e.cummins, is he? not to use capital letters.
No, Im not going to review the book. For one, I still havent even reached half way. two, its the few things in life that i consider wierder than myself (imagine a book with a dog that looks like it's suspended upside down from the title on the cover or one which starts with chapter 2. fortunately the page number stood to confirm the start of the book). lastly, Im sure my word is taken for granted, without having to go to details.
Nevertheless, a sentence before we move on. Its the ultimate lesson in creative writing, and a wonderfull read. Now, Im not saying you would be any poorer for not reading the book. But then, most books dont justify mention under that category. Its very rarely that a book is written as though it is the only one ever. Where the author assumes a pedestal and is not hitched by anything around him. I think "the God of Small Things" falls in that category. So does "The Alchemist".
Its the simple practicality of a boy who goes to a special needs school, and follows logic to the hilt that commands our regard.
And there is this part in the book where someone throws him a random numerical problem, a multiplication of two three digits and he thinks the answer and gives out the answer. He also explains how he arrived at the answer simply by thinking it out.
Well, that brought memories of how I could simply shout out math answers in class, and be held in awe by all and sundry, whereas the working out werent much more complicated than saying that seven times nine is sixty three.
There used to be this theorem I formulated, with much hopes of 'contributing to the science of mathematics', till I found out that it was just a rendering of the basic algebraic equation, (a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2 , thats 'a squared'.
Take this sum, lets say, 93 times 107, for simplicity. What we do is convert these numbers such that they are expressed the difference of two well known squares. So taking a as 100, and b as 7, we get (100-7)(100+7), which, to satisfy the equation, has to be 100^2 - 7^2, which is relatively simple, 10000 and 63.
Therefore, 93*107 is 9937 (10000-63). As simple as that.
Now it becomes so easy only when the middle number, the average of the two numbers to be multiplied, 100, in this case, is a multiple of 10 or atleast has an easily arrivable square. What if the two numbers are 33 and 52, the average of which is not even a whole number. Then we try the second method.
This can also be condensed to another algebraic equation, though the pure logic is enough and more of proof. (a+b)(c)=a*c+b*c. We split the sum into two parts, and find the value of 33 times 50 and 33 times 2 separately and add the two.
33 times 50 is half of 33 times hundred,3300/2, or 1650. and 33 times 2 is simple, 66. The two added gives 1716.
Now things could get even further complicated. In case of three digit numbers, where you may have to do sequences of these calculations. Even there the method holds. Though it would call for more involvement and concentration in the problem.
Ah! I forgot to tell you. It calls for two traits. one is simply a brain to which numbers seem numbers and not latin or greek, as the phrase goes. Remember youll have to keep all the numbers in your head. And numbers are as fickle as, well, Im lost for words, but I still wont use 'women'.You lose them from your head unless you have a way of seeing them as objects much more vibrant than digits, like two fat ladies (for 88) or a man leaning on a stick (for 19). But even more important is concentration. After all, you dont have paper to write the steps on. If you had paper we all know much easier ways of doing calculations, though they rarely are applauded.
The first somehow, by the grace of God, I have. the second, by whom i dont know, i lost or never had. Therefore, usually the tendency is to laugh off such situations, unless of course, the stakes are that high.
Which brings me to the conclusion. I feel that most people are gifted witha scientific brain. The ability to use the head to get beneath most problems through logic. But some of us, and Im pointing the blessed finger at myself, refrain from utilising the gift. We feign indifference to all the inventions, the theories etc. that were developed around us. For a lot of us, it could be inexposure to the beauty of the whole thing. For many others, it is simply laziness. So we end up in alternate proffesions. Good. What would we have done if we didnt have craftsmen, lawyers, painters, writers and all. But think again, are they under achievers. No, Im not taking sides, just posing an argument.
I think we can frame a statement like this. You can decide to do whatever you want to in life. But never be an under-achiever because you aimed too near.
Our gifts are for a purpose. And Im sure the giver intended us to utilise the gift. And who knows if He will classify it under sin, if we arent faithfull in the least!