Vedic Math Method: Prove Conjecture Inspired by a Math Trick

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The forum discussion centers on a conjecture related to Vedic Mathematics and its connection to the standard division algorithm in base 10. The user presents a mathematical relationship involving remainders and quotients derived from dividing by a denominator ending in 9. The discussion highlights the recurrence relation from the Vedic algorithm, demonstrating its equivalence to the standard division algorithm. The user seeks assistance in proving this conjecture, emphasizing the need for clarity on the validity of Vedic mathematics.

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RLBrown
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Below is a conjecture that I can't prove.
It was inspired by a math trick for division when the (base 10) denominator ends in the digit 9.

Can anyone help me out with a proof?

View attachment 6284

- - - Updated - - -

Here is an excell example,

View attachment 6285
 

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These numbers are the same that arise in the standard division algorithm (as taught in elementary school), like so:
[TIKZ]\draw (0,0) node {$5\,. {}^50{}^{12}0{}^60{}^30{}^{11}0\ldots$} ;\draw (0,-0.5) node{$0\,. {}^{\phantom5}2 {}^{\phantom{12}}6 {}^{\phantom6}3 {}^{\phantom3}1 {}^{\phantom{11}} 5 \ldots$} ;\draw (-2,-0.05) node {$19$} ;\draw (-1.7,0.3) -- (-1.7,-0.3) -- (1.6,-0.3) ;[/TIKZ]
At each stage of that algorithm, you carry forward a remainder $r_{k-1}$, multiply it by 10 and then divide by $10d-1$, getting a quotient $q_{k-1}$ and a remainder $r_k$, so that $$10r_{k-1} = (10d-1)q_{k-1} + r_k.$$ If you write that as $$r_k = 10(r_{k-1}- dq_{k-1}) + q_{k-1},$$ you see that it is exactly the same as the recurrence relation $$b_k = 10(b_{k-1} - da_{k-1}) + a_{k-1}$$ from the Vedic algorithm. (It also has the same initial condition $r_1 = n$.)

So if you believe the standard division algorithm, then you should also believe the Vedic algorithm.
 

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