[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Indian Mathematics](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915) › c8.7 # Indian Mathematics c8.7 Indian Mathematics c8.7 - **Language:** English ### [c8.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915.c8.7) 21. The Indian method of stating examples—particularly those involving algebraic equations—are of sufficient interest to be recorded here. The early works were rhetorical and not symbolical at all and even in modern times the nearest approach to a symbolic algebra consists of abbreviations of special terms. The only real symbol employed is the negative sign of operation, which is usually a dot placed above or at the side of the quantity affected. In the Bakhshālī Ms., a cross is used in place of the dot as the latter in the Śārada script is employed to indicate cipher or nought. - [Previous: c8.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915.c8.6) - [Next: c8.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915.c8.8) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915.c8) ## Linked texts (1) - [Bakhshālī Manuscript](https://indike.org/pramana/in.astro.ganita.patibija.bakhshali) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915.c8.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.kaye-1915.c8.7) · Pramāṇa