History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s14.44

v2.c17.s14.44

“Set down successively the lesser root, greater root and interpolator ; and below them should be set down in order the same or another (set of similar quantities). From them by the Principle of Composition can be obtained numerous roots. Therefore, the Principle of Composition will be explained here. (Find) the two cross-products of the two lesser and the two greater roots ; their sum is a lesser root. Add the product of the two lesser roots multiplied by the *prakṛti* to the product of the two greater roots ; the sum will be a greater root. In that (equation) the interpolator will be