Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c7.s5.1

c7.s5.1

The subject of indeterminate analysis (first degree) is designated in Indian mathematics by the term *kuṭṭaka*. *Kuṭṭ* means 'to break' or 'to pulverize'. The name has been given on account of the process of continued division that is adopted for the solution. Indian interest in the indeterminate problems is first found in the *Śulbasūtras*, Detailed rules of solutions of the type : by = ax ± c were given by scholars from Āryabhaṭa I (476 A. D.) onwards Colebrooke², Chasles³ and Sen⁴ gave credit to Indians for attaining a general solution of the problem. Some scholars favoured Greeks and the Chinese for the origin. They are of opinion that Indians got inspiration in this subject from the foreign countries. In the foregoing discussion it can be seen that while the career of indeterminate (first degree) is doubtful in other cultural areas, in India it is based on strong and solid foundation.