Algebra

Algebra is one of the broad areas of Mathematics. The Hindu name for the science of algebra is bijaganita. Bija means "element" or "analysis" and ganita means " the science of calculation". Bijaganita literally means "science of calculation with elements or the science of analytical calculation.

Brahmagupta (628) calls algebra as Kuttaka-ganita or Kuttaka. Kuttaka means pulveriser. Algebra is also called as avyakta-ganita or the science of calculation with unknowns (avyakta means unknown) in contrast to the name vyakta-ganita the science of calculation with knowns (vyakta means known) for arithmetic including geometry and mensuration.

Definition

Bhaskara II (1150) has defined Algebra as "Analysis (bija) is certainly the innate intellect assisted by the various symbols (varna), which, for the instruction of duller intellects, has been expounded by the ancient sages who enlighten mathematicians as the sun irradiates the lotus; that has now taken the name algebra (bijaganita).

References

Citations

1.History of Hindu Mathematics by Bibhutibhusan Datta and Avadesh Narayan Singh