History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s17.t3.5

v2.c17.s17.t3.5

"Where on finding the square root of the first side, there remain on the other side squares of two unknowns with or without an absolute number, there consider the square of one of the unknowns as the *prakṛti*; the remainder will then be the interpolator. Then by the rule: 'An optionally chosen number is taken as the lesser root, etc.,'² the unknown in the interpolator multiplied by one, etc., and added with one, etc., or not, according to one's own sagacity, should be assumed for the lesser root; then determine the greater root."³