In Hinduism

Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)

Source: archive.org: Hindu Mathematics

Yāvakastāvat (यावकस्तावत्) represents an emendation of Yāvattāvat (“unknown quantity”), according to the principles of Bījagaṇita (“algebra” or ‘science of calculation’), according to Gaṇita-śāstra, ancient Indian mathematics and astronomy.—Yāvattāvat is not a varṇa (colour or letter of alphabet). So in its inclusion in the lists of varṇa, as found enumerated in the Hindu algebras—though apparently anomalous—we find the persistence of an ancient symbol which was in vogue long before the introduction of colours to represent unknowns. To avoid the anomaly Muralidhara Jha has suggested the emendation yāvakastāvat (yāvaka and also; yāvaka = red) in the place of yāvattāvat, as found in the available manuscripts. He thinks that being misled by the old practice, the expression yāvakastāvat was confused by copyists yāvattāvat. In support of this theory it may be pointed out that yāvaka is found to have been sometimes used by Pṛthūdakasvāmī to represent the unknown. Bhāskara II has once used yāvat. Nārāyaṇa used it on several occasions. The origin of the use of names of colours to represent unknowns in algebra is very probably connected with the ancient use of differently coloured shots for the purpose.

context information

Ganitashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, gaṇitaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Tavat.

Full-text: Yavaka, Yavattavat.

Relevant text

No search results for Yavakastavat, Yāvakastāvat, Yāvakas-tāvat, Yavakas-tavat; (plurals include: Yavakastavats, Yāvakastāvats, tāvats, tavats) in any book or story.