History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s7.9

v2.c17.s7.9

Assume an arbitrary value p for x₁ and then calculate the values of x₂, x₃, ... corresponding to it. Finally let the calculated value of x_n + x₁ be equal to b (say). Then the true value of x₁ is obtained by the formula $x₁ = p + ½(a_n - b).$