History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s1.96

v2.c17.s1.96

**Equation.** The equation is called by Brahmagupta (628) *sama-karaṇa*² or *samî-karaṇa*³ (making equal) or more simply *sama*⁴ (equation). Pṛthûdakasvâmî (860) employs also the term *sâmya*⁵ (equality or equation); and Śrîpati (1039) *sadṛśî-karaṇa*⁶ (making similar). Nârâyaṇa (1350) uses the terms *samî-karaṇa*, *sâmya* and *samatva* (equality).⁷ An equation has always two *pakṣa* (side). This term occurs in the works of Śrīdhara (*c.* 750), Padmanābha¹ and others.²