Finding the Nearest Perfect Square

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 118 views

The Bakhshali Manuscript: Unveiling Ancient Indian Mathematical Secrets

The Bakhshali Manuscript, a 9th-century Indian mathematical text, has been a subject of interest for scholars and mathematicians alike. This ancient manuscript contains a unique method for calculating non-perfect squares, which was being used in India by 400 CE. In this article, we will delve into the world of ancient Indian mathematics and explore the method used in the Bakhshali Manuscript to find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ .

The Bakhshali Manuscript is a mathematical text that was discovered in the 19th century in the village of Bakhshali, near Peshawar in modern-day Pakistan. The manuscript is estimated to have been written between 400 and 1200 CE, although the exact date of its composition is still a matter of debate among scholars. The manuscript contains a collection of mathematical problems and solutions, including algebraic equations, geometric problems, and arithmetic operations.

The Method for Calculating Non-Perfect Squares

The Bakhshali Manuscript contains a unique method for calculating non-perfect squares, which is based on the concept of "nearness" to a perfect square. According to this method, if we want to find the square root of a number, we need to find the nearest perfect square that is less than or greater than the given number. This method is based on the idea that the square root of a number is approximately equal to the square root of the nearest perfect square.

Finding the Nearest Perfect Square

To find the nearest perfect square that is less than 22, we need to look for the largest perfect square that is less than 22. We can do this by finding the square of consecutive integers until we find a perfect square that is less than 22.

4^2 = 16 (less than 22)
5^2 = 25 (greater than 22)

Therefore, the nearest perfect square that is less than 22 is 16.

Using the Method to Find the Approximate Value of $\sqrt{22}$

Now that we have found the nearest perfect square that is less than 22, we can use the method to find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ . According to the method, we need to find the difference between 22 and the nearest perfect square (16) and then divide it by the difference between the two perfect squares (16 and 25).

Difference between 22 and 16 = 6
Difference between 16 and 25 = 9

Now, we can use the formula:

\sqrt{22} \approx \sqrt{16} + \frac{6}{9}

Simplifying the expression, we get:

\sqrt{22} \approx 4 + \frac{2}{3}

\sqrt{22} \approx 4.67

Therefore, the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ is 4.67.

In conclusion, the Bakhshali Manuscript contains a unique method for calculating non-perfect squares, which was being used in India by 400 CE. By using this method, we can find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ as 4.67. This method is based on the concept of "nearness" to a perfect square and is a testament to the ingenuity and mathematical prowess of ancient Indian mathematicians.

Bakhshali Manuscript. (9th century). A mathematical text from ancient India.
Pingree, D. (1970). Census of the Exact Sciences in Sanskrit. American Philosophical Society.
Srinivasan, B. (1994). The Bakhshali Manuscript: An Ancient Indian Mathematical Text. World Scientific Publishing.

For more information on the Bakhshali Manuscript, please refer to the references listed above.
For a detailed analysis of the method used in the Bakhshali Manuscript, please see the article "The Bakhshali Manuscript: A Mathematical Marvel" by B. Srinivasan.
For a comprehensive overview of ancient Indian mathematics, please see the book "A History of Indian Mathematics" by C. N. Srinivasan.
The Bakhshali Manuscript: A Q&A Article

The Bakhshali Manuscript is a fascinating ancient Indian mathematical text that has been a subject of interest for scholars and mathematicians alike. In our previous article, we explored the method used in the Bakhshali Manuscript to find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ . In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the Bakhshali Manuscript and its significance in the history of mathematics.

Q: What is the Bakhshali Manuscript?

A: The Bakhshali Manuscript is a 9th-century Indian mathematical text that contains a collection of mathematical problems and solutions, including algebraic equations, geometric problems, and arithmetic operations.

Q: Where was the Bakhshali Manuscript discovered?

A: The Bakhshali Manuscript was discovered in the 19th century in the village of Bakhshali, near Peshawar in modern-day Pakistan.

Q: What is the significance of the Bakhshali Manuscript in the history of mathematics?

A: The Bakhshali Manuscript is significant because it contains a unique method for calculating non-perfect squares, which was being used in India by 400 CE. This method is based on the concept of "nearness" to a perfect square and is a testament to the ingenuity and mathematical prowess of ancient Indian mathematicians.

Q: How does the method used in the Bakhshali Manuscript work?

A: The method used in the Bakhshali Manuscript involves finding the nearest perfect square that is less than or greater than the given number. This method is based on the idea that the square root of a number is approximately equal to the square root of the nearest perfect square.

Q: Can you give an example of how to use the method to find the approximate value of a square root?

A: Yes, let's say we want to find the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ . We can use the method as follows:

Find the nearest perfect square that is less than 22, which is 16.
Find the difference between 22 and 16, which is 6.
Find the difference between 16 and the next perfect square, which is 25, which is 9.
Use the formula: $\sqrt{22} \approx \sqrt{16} + \frac{6}{9}$
Simplify the expression to get: $\sqrt{22} \approx 4 + \frac{2}{3}$
Therefore, the approximate value of $\sqrt{22}$ is 4.67.

Q: Is the Bakhshali Manuscript the only ancient Indian mathematical text that contains this method?

A: No, the Bakhshali Manuscript is not the only ancient Indian mathematical text that contains this method. However, it is one of the most well-known and widely studied texts that contain this method.

Q: What are some other notable features of the Bakhshali Manuscript?

A: Some other notable features of the Bakhshali Manuscript include:

It contains a collection of mathematical problems and solutions, including algebraic equations, geometric problems, and arithmetic operations.
It uses a unique notation system that is different from the notation systems used in other ancient Indian mathematical texts.
It contains a section on the calculation of square roots, which is a testament to the ingenuity and mathematical prowess of ancient Indian mathematicians.

Q: Where can I learn more about the Bakhshali Manuscript?

A: You can learn more about the Bakhshali Manuscript by reading the references listed in our previous article. You can also consult with a mathematics historian or a scholar who specializes in ancient Indian mathematics.

In conclusion, the Bakhshali Manuscript is a fascinating ancient Indian mathematical text that contains a unique method for calculating non-perfect squares. This method is based on the concept of "nearness" to a perfect square and is a testament to the ingenuity and mathematical prowess of ancient Indian mathematicians. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of the Bakhshali Manuscript and its significance in the history of mathematics.

Bakhshali Manuscript. (9th century). A mathematical text from ancient India.
Pingree, D. (1970). Census of the Exact Sciences in Sanskrit. American Philosophical Society.
Srinivasan, B. (1994). The Bakhshali Manuscript: An Ancient Indian Mathematical Text. World Scientific Publishing.

For more information on the Bakhshali Manuscript, please refer to the references listed above.
For a detailed analysis of the method used in the Bakhshali Manuscript, please see the article "The Bakhshali Manuscript: A Mathematical Marvel" by B. Srinivasan.
For a comprehensive overview of ancient Indian mathematics, please see the book "A History of Indian Mathematics" by C. N. Srinivasan.