The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c19.s2.20

c19.s2.20

Āpastamba uses square bricks of five different varieties for the construction of the same *Agni*. So his problem will be represented algebraically by the equations $.x/m+y/n+z/p+u/q+v/r &= 7½, / x+y+z+u+v &= 200 ; (C)$ where *m*, *n*, *p*, *q*, *r* are perfect squares. Āpastamba's statement of his method of solution, partly explained in detail and partly hinted, is not free from ambiguity.¹ Consequently it has been interpreted differently by his different commentators leading consequently to several solutions. According to Karavindasvāmī, the two solutions of (C) will be