History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s7.60

v2.c17.s7.60

“In an example in which there are two or more unknown quantities, colours such as *yâvat-tâvat*, etc., should be assumed for their values. Upon them should be performed all operations conformably to the statement of the example and thus should be carefully framed two or more sides and also equations. Equi-clearance should be made first between two and two of them and so on to the last: from one side one unknown should be cleared, other unknowns reduced to a common denominator and also the absolute numbers should be cleared from the side opposite. The residue of other unknowns being divided by the residual coefficient of the first unknown will give the value of the first unknown. If there be obtained several such values, then with two and two of them, equations should be formed after reduction to common denominators. Proceeding in this way to the end find out the value of one unknown. If that value be (in terms of) another unknown then the coefficients of those two will be reciprocally the values of the two unknowns. If, however, there be present more unknowns in that value, the method of the pulveriser should be employed. Arbitrary values may then be assumed for some of the unknowns.”