Equations

Forming Equations

Before proceeding to the actual solution of an equation of any type, certain preliminary operations have necessarily to be carried out in order to prepare it for solution.

Still more preliminary work is that of forming the equation (sami-karana, sami-kara or sami-kriya; from sama, equal and kṛ , to do; hence literally , making equal) from the conditions of the proposed problem. Such preliminary work may require the application of one or more fundamental operations of algebra or arithmetic.

Bhaskara II says: "Let yavat-tavat be assumed as the value of the unknown quantity. Then doing precisely as has been specifically told-by subtracting, adding, multiplying or dividing the two equal sides of an equation should be very carefully built.