History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c8.s12.t1.80

v1.c8.s12.t1.80

Written as above the method of working the Rule of Three appears to be the same as the method of proportion. In the same way the rule of other odd terms, when properly translated into modern symbolism, is nothing but the method of proportion. It has been stated by Smith³ that the Hindu methods of solution "fail to recognize the relation between the Rule of Three and proportion." This statement appears to have been made without sufficient justification, for the solutions have been evidently obtained by the use of the ideas of proportionality and variation. The aim of the Hindu works is to give a method which can be readily used by common people. For this very reason, the cases in which the variation is inverse have been enumerated. Considered as a method which stimulated the student to think for himself, the method is certainly defective, but for practical purposes, it is, in our opinion, the best that could be devised.