Jamshedpur, Aug. 4: If mathematics gives you the creeps, a visit to Jamshedpur Women’s College tomorrow might be of some help.

The college will organise a brain storming session on shortcuts to the most cumbersome of mathematical problems. The workshop — Trachtenberg Maths Workshop (named after Russian engineer Jakow Trachtenberg) — will be conducted by Devesh Kumar, director of Mathematical Institute for Genius.

Kumar said: “The workshop will give the students tips on how to solve difficult mathematical problems in lightening speed.”

Kumar, who has conducted such workshops in nine schools in the city, including Sacred Heart Convent, Narbheram Hansraj English School (NHES) and Loyola, claims that by knowing the shortcut methods students can save time during school examinations or any other entrance tests. “They can do the calculations faster than a calculator,” Kumar claimed.

According to Kumar, the shortcut methods of calculation was developed by Trachtenberg, while he was in prison during the World War II. “The system developed by him is very brilliant as it helps in quick calculation without using a calculator,” he said.

Shrishti Jaura, a fifth grader of Sacred Heart Convent School, who had attended the Trachtenberg workshop, said: “The workshop was incredible. It gave me the confidence to solve mathematical problems in a jiffy.”

Abhishek Anurag, a class X student of Loyola School, said: “Square roots used to give me the creeps. I have spent nights thinking how to approach the problem. But the workshop changed everything. It boosted my confidence level and believe it or not I can solve arithmetical problems without any sweat. I think I am faster than a even a calculator.”

Sources said since November 2002, more than 1,000 students in the city have benefited from Kumar’s workshops.

Imposter held

The sadar police yesterday arrested a person, who duped several students and a Ranchi-based lawyer, by posing as a central government officer, reports our Hazaribagh correspondent.

Kamal Kishore was arrested on the basis of FIRS lodged by the victims. Kishore allegedly demanded huge sums of money from them in lieu of jobs at the Kendriya Kutir Udyog. Kamal, a resident of Kumhar toli in Hazaribagh, has been sent to jail. Police said Kamal used to regularly visit the student’s hostels in Hazaribagh town and lure them with false promise of jobs.