History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s14.18

v2.c17.s14.18

are well known to people. The number whose square, multiplied by an optional multiplier and then increased or decreased by another optional number, becomes capable of yielding a square-root, is designated by the term the lesser root (*kaniṣṭha-pada*) or the first root (*âdya-mûla*). The root which results, after those operations have been performed, is called by the name the greater root (*jyeṣṭha-pada*) or the second root (*anya-mûla*). If there be a number multiplying both these roots, it is called the augmenter (*udvartaka*); and, on the contrary, if there be a number dividing the roots, it is called the abridger (*apavartaka*).”¹