History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s15.16

v2.c17.s15.16

of subtraction of the square of the multiplier. The quotient (corresponding to that value of the multiplier) is the lesser root (of the new Square-nature); and that multiplied by the multiplier and diminished by the product of the previous lesser root and (new) interpolator will be its greater root. By doing so repeatedly will be obtained two integral roots corresponding to the interpolator ± 1, ± 2 or ± 4. In order to derive integral roots for the additive unity from those answering to the interpolator ± 2 or ± 4, the Principle of Composition (should be adopted)."¹