History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c8.s14.56

v1.c8.s14.56

(8) The square-root of half the number of a swarm of bees is gone to a shrub of jasmin; and so are eight-ninths of the whole swarm; a female is buzzing to one remaining male that is humming within a lotus, in which he is confined, having been allured to it by its fragrance at night. Say, lovely woman, what is the number of bees.¹