History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s5.1

v2.c17.s5.1

**Early Solutions.** As already stated, the geometrical solution of a linear equation in one unknown is found in the *Śulba*, the earliest of which is not later than 800 B.C. There is a reference in the *Sthânâṅga-sûtra* (*c.* 300 B.C.) to a linear equation by its name (*yâvat-tâvat*) which is suggestive of the method of solution¹ followed at that time. We have, however, no further evidence about it. The earliest Hindu record of doubtless value of problems involving simple algebraic equations and of a method for their solution occurs in the Bakhshâlî treatise, which was written very probably about the beginning of the Christian Era. One problem is:²