History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v2.c17.s8.75

v2.c17.s8.75

"When after perfect clearance of the two sides, there remain on one side the square, etc., of the unknown and on the other side the absolute term only, then, both the sides should be multiplied or divided by some suitable optional quantity; some equal quantities should further be added to or subtracted from both the sides so that the unknown side will become capable of yielding a root. The root of that side must be equal to the root of the absolute terms on the other side. For, by simultaneous equal additions, etc., to the two equal sides the equality remains. So forming an equation again with these roots the value of the unknown is found."³