[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932) › c11.20 # The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c11.20 The Science of the Śulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c11.20 - **Language:** English ### [c11.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c11.20) That is, if \*n\* be the number of equal squares to be combined together into one, form the triangle \*ABC\* whose base \*BC\* is of length (\*n\*—1) times a side of a square and twice the sides \*AB\* and \*AC\* of which are severally equal to (\*n\*+1) times a side of a square. The method of drawing the triangle, which will be consistent with the geometrical methods of the \*Śulba\* is this: Draw the line \*BC\* of length (\*n\*—1) times a side of a square. Fix two poles at \*B\* and \*C\*. Take a cord of length (\*n\*+1) times a side of a square. Fasten its two ends at the two poles and stretch the cord sidewise having taken it by the middle point. Let \*A\* be the point reached. Bisect \*BC\* at \*D\* and join \*AD\*. Then the square on \*AD\* will be equivalent to the sum of n given squares. For $AD² = AC² - DC²,$ $= ((n+1)/2)² a² - ((n-1)/2)² a²,$ $= na².$ - [Previous: c11.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c11.19) - [Next: c11.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c11.21) - [Up: c11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c11) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c11.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c11.20) · Pramāṇa