History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c8.s5.26

v1.c8.s5.26

The process begins from the extreme left of the dividend, in this case the figure 16. This 16 is divided by 12. The quotient 1 is placed in a separate line, and 16 is rubbed out and the remainder 4 is substituted in its place. The subtraction is made by rubbing out figures successively as each figure of the product to be subtracted is obtained. Thus, the partial quotient 1, being written, the procedure is 1620 / 12 I/(line of quotients) 1 × 1 = 1, so 1 of the dividend is rubbed out (as 1 - 1 = 0); then 1 × 2 = 2, so 4 is substituted in the place of 6 (as 6 - 2 = 4). The figures on the *pâṭî* are: 420 / 12 I/(line of quotients)