The Importance of the Bakhshali Manuscript

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 31 views

Introduction

The Bakhshali Manuscript, a ancient Indian mathematical text, provides valuable insights into the mathematical techniques used by Indian mathematicians over 1,500 years ago. One of the methods described in the manuscript is a way to calculate the approximate value of non-perfect squares. In this article, we will explore this method and use it to find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ .

The Bakhshali Manuscript

The Bakhshali Manuscript is a ancient Indian mathematical text that dates back to around 400 CE. It is a collection of mathematical problems and solutions that cover a range of topics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The manuscript is named after the village of Bakhshali in Pakistan, where it was discovered in 1881.

The Indian Method of Calculating Non-Perfect Squares

The Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares involves finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number. This is done by finding the square root of the nearest perfect square and then using a series of approximations to find the square root of the given number.

Step 1: Find the Nearest Perfect Square

To find the nearest perfect square, we need to find the largest perfect square that is less than or equal to the given number. In this case, we want to find the nearest perfect square that is less than or equal to 22.

The nearest perfect square that is less than or equal to 22 is 16.

Step 2: Find the Square Root of the Nearest Perfect Square

The square root of 16 is 4.

The square root of 16 is 4.

Step 3: Find the Difference Between the Given Number and the Nearest Perfect Square

The difference between 22 and 16 is 6.

The difference between 22 and 16 is 6.

Step 4: Find the Approximate Value of the Square Root

To find the approximate value of the square root of 22, we need to add a fraction of the difference to the square root of the nearest perfect square. The fraction is determined by the ratio of the difference to the nearest perfect square.

The ratio of the difference to the nearest perfect square is 6/16 = 3/8.

To find the approximate value of the square root of 22, we add 3/8 of the difference to the square root of the nearest perfect square.

The approximate value of the square root of 22 is 4 + (3/8) * 6 = 4 + 2.25 = 6.25.

Conclusion

In this article, we used the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares to find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ . The method involves finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number, finding the square root of the nearest perfect square, and then using a series of approximations to find the square root of the given number. The approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ is 6.25.

The Importance of the Bakhshali Manuscript

The Bakhshali Manuscript is a valuable resource for mathematicians and historians of mathematics. It provides insights into the mathematical techniques used by Indian mathematicians over 1,500 years ago and highlights the importance of mathematics in ancient Indian culture.

The Legacy of Indian Mathematics

Indian mathematics has had a profound impact on the development of mathematics in the Western world. The Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares is just one example of the many mathematical techniques that were developed in ancient India. The legacy of Indian mathematics continues to inspire mathematicians and scientists today.

The Future of Mathematics

As we continue to explore the universe and push the boundaries of human knowledge, mathematics will play an increasingly important role. The Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares is just one example of the many mathematical techniques that will be used to solve the complex problems of the future.

References

Bakhshali Manuscript. (1881). A Collection of Mathematical Problems and Solutions.
Singh, M. (1985). The Bakhshali Manuscript: A Study of the Mathematical Techniques Used in Ancient India. New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy.
Ifrah, G. (2000). The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention of the Computer. New York: Wiley.

Glossary

Bakhshali Manuscript: A ancient Indian mathematical text that dates back to around 400 CE.
Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares: A method of calculating the approximate value of non-perfect squares by finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number.
Nearest perfect square: The largest perfect square that is less than or equal to the given number.
Square root: The number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number.
Approximation: A close estimate of a value.
Fraction: A part of a whole.
Ratio: A comparison of two numbers.
Q&A: The Indian Method of Calculating Non-Perfect Squares ===========================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares, a technique described in the ancient Indian mathematical text, the Bakhshali Manuscript. This method involves finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number, finding the square root of the nearest perfect square, and then using a series of approximations to find the square root of the given number. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares.

Q: What is the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares?

A: The Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares is a technique used to find the approximate value of non-perfect squares. It involves finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number, finding the square root of the nearest perfect square, and then using a series of approximations to find the square root of the given number.

Q: How does the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares work?

A: The Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares works by finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number. This is done by finding the square root of the nearest perfect square and then using a series of approximations to find the square root of the given number.

Q: What is the nearest perfect square?

A: The nearest perfect square is the largest perfect square that is less than or equal to the given number.

Q: How do I find the nearest perfect square?

A: To find the nearest perfect square, you can use a calculator or a mathematical table to find the square root of the given number. Then, you can round up to the nearest whole number to find the nearest perfect square.

Q: What is the square root of a number?

A: The square root of a number is the number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number.

Q: How do I use the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares to find the approximate value of a non-perfect square?

A: To use the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares to find the approximate value of a non-perfect square, you need to follow these steps:

Find the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number.
Find the square root of the nearest perfect square.
Use a series of approximations to find the square root of the given number.

Q: What are some examples of non-perfect squares that can be calculated using the Indian method?

A: Some examples of non-perfect squares that can be calculated using the Indian method include:

$\sqrt{22}$
$\sqrt{37}$
$\sqrt{48}$
$\sqrt{63}$

Q: Is the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares accurate?

A: The Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares is an approximation method, and its accuracy depends on the number of approximations used. The more approximations used, the more accurate the result will be.

Q: Can the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares be used to find the square root of a perfect square?

A: Yes, the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares can be used to find the square root of a perfect square. In this case, the nearest perfect square is the same as the given number, and the square root of the given number is the same as the square root of the nearest perfect square.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares. This method is a useful tool for finding the approximate value of non-perfect squares, and it has been used for centuries in various mathematical and scientific applications. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares and its applications.

References

Bakhshali Manuscript. (1881). A Collection of Mathematical Problems and Solutions.
Singh, M. (1985). The Bakhshali Manuscript: A Study of the Mathematical Techniques Used in Ancient India. New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy.
Ifrah, G. (2000). The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention of the Computer. New York: Wiley.

Glossary

Bakhshali Manuscript: A ancient Indian mathematical text that dates back to around 400 CE.
Indian method of calculating non-perfect squares: A method of calculating the approximate value of non-perfect squares by finding the nearest perfect square that is greater than or equal to the given number.
Nearest perfect square: The largest perfect square that is less than or equal to the given number.
Square root: The number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number.
Approximation: A close estimate of a value.
Fraction: A part of a whole.
Ratio: A comparison of two numbers.