Mathematics & Computer Science
Sridhara's rule for quadratic equations
c. 870-930 CESridharacharyaPatiganita / Trisatika (rule quoted by Bhaskara II)Pan-Indian / unspecified
870 CE
A completing-the-square rule for solving quadratics, often called 'Sridharacharya's formula' in Indian schools.
- Dated
- 870–930 CE
- As scholars put it
- c. 870-930 CE
- Originator
- Sridharacharya
- Source text
- Patiganita / Trisatika (rule quoted by Bhaskara II)
- Region
- Pan-Indian / unspecified
- Discipline
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Evidence
- Documented
- Confidence
- High
- Verification
- Verified-web
Meanwhile in the West
The quadratic formula of modern algebra.
Fair to say
Brahmagupta treated quadratics earlier; Sridhara's rule survives only through Bhaskara II's quotation and takes one root.
Path to modern innovation
The standard method taught worldwide.
Builds on
Transmission
Quoted by Bhaskara II; known to later Indian writers.
References
- 1MacTutor (O'Connor & Robertson)
- 2K. S. Shukla, Patiganita (1959)
Further reading
Corrections and additional sources: edit IND-240 on GitHub.