Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c6.s5.7

c6.s5.7

We know 17² = 2.12² - 1. Thibaut argued, by how much side 17 must be diminished in order that the square on it may be 2.12² exactly. Since 2 × 17 × 1/34 = 1, he observed, two strips each of 1/34 (approximately) are to be cut off from a square with 17 as side to obtain the square 2.12² ( i.e. 12² + 12² ) $Hence ( 17 - 1/34 )² = 2.12²$ $or (17 - 1/34)/12 = √2$