Hindu Achievements in Exact Science: A Study in the History of Scientific Development c8.5

c8.5

1. A better and more comprehensive algorithm.
2. The management of equations involving more than one unknown term. (This adds to the two classes noticed by the Saracens, viz., simple and compound.)
3. The resolution of equations of a higher order, in which if they achieved little, they had at least the merit of the attempt, and anticipated a modern discovery in the solution of biquadratics.
4. General methods for the solution of indeterminate problems of first and second degrees, in which they went far beyond Diophantus, and anticipated the discoveries of modern algebraists.
5. Application of algebra to astronomical investigation and geometrical demonstration, in which also they hit upon some methods which have been reinvented in later times.