History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s26.19

v2.c17.s26.19

If x denotes the signs and y the degrees of the sun, then the equation is xy - 3x - 4y = 90. Thus this problem, as that of Bhâskara II (*infra*), appears to have some relation with that of the Bakhshâlî work. Pṛthûdakasvâmî solves it in two ways. *Firstly*, he assumes the arbitrary number to be 17, then x &= 1/1 ( (90.¹ + 3.4)/17 + 4 ) = 10, / y &= 1/1 (17 + 3) = 20. *Secondly*, he assumes arbitrarily y = 20. On substituting this value in the above equation, it reduces to 20x - 3x = 170; whence x = 10.