History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s1.79

v2.c17.s1.79

**Unknown Quantity.** The unknown quantity was called in the *Sthânâṅga-sûtra*⁸ (before 300 B.C.) *yâvat-tâvat* (as many as or so much as, meaning an arbitrary quantity). In the so-called Bakhshâlî treatise, it was called *yadṛcchâ*, *vâñchâ* or *kâmika* (any desired quantity).⁹ This term was originally connected with the Rule of False Position.¹⁰ Âryabhaṭa I (499)