History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s14.20

v2.c17.s14.20

“An optionally chosen number is taken as the lesser root (*hrasva-mûla*). That number, positive or negative, which being added to or subtracted from its square multiplied by the *prakṛti* (multiplier) gives a result yielding a square-root, is called the interpolator (*kṣepaka*). And this (resulting) root is called the greater root (*jyeṣṭha-mûla*).”²