Mathematics & Computer Science
Chakravala (cyclic) method for Pell's equation
9th-12th c. CEJayadeva; Bhaskara IIBijaganitaPan-Indian / unspecified
801 CE
An elegant algorithm solving quadratic indeterminate equations like x^2 - Ny^2 = 1.
- Dated
- 801 CE–1200
- As scholars put it
- 9th-12th c. CE
- Originator
- Jayadeva; Bhaskara II
- Source text
- Bijaganita
- Region
- Pan-Indian / unspecified
- Discipline
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Evidence
- Documented
- Confidence
- High
- Verification
- Verified-web
Meanwhile in the West
Rediscovered by Brouncker/Fermat/Euler in the 17th-18th c. (Pell's equation).
Fair to say
Named 'Pell's equation' by a European mislabelling.
Path to modern innovation
A landmark in number theory.
Builds on
Transmission
Independent European rediscovery centuries later.
References
- 1Bijaganita (1150)
- 2C. O. Selenius on chakravala
Further reading
Related
Corrections and additional sources: edit IND-012 on GitHub.