History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s14.1
History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s14.1
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v2.c17.s14.1
**Square-nature.** The indeterminate quadratic equation $Nx²± c=y²,$ is called by the Hindus *Varga-prakṛti* or *Kṛti-prakṛti*, meaning the “Square-nature.”¹ Bhâskara II (1150) states that the absolute number should be *rûpa*,² which means “unity” as well as “absolute number” in general. Kamalâkara (1658) says :