Bhaskaracharya was an Indian mathematician and astronomer. He was born in Bijapur in Karnataka. Bhaskara and his works represent a significant contribution to mathematical and astronomical knowledge in the 12th century. He is the greatest mathematician of medieval India.
Some of his works are:
Mathematics-
• A proof of the Pythagorean theorem by calculating the same area in two different ways and then cancelling out terms to get a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
• Solutions of quadratic, cubic and quartic indeterminate equations are explained.
• A cyclic Chakravala method for solving indeterminate equations of the form
ax^2 + bx + c = y.
• The first general method for finding the solutions of the problem
x^2 − ny^2 = 1 (so-called "Pell's equation") was given by Bhaskara II.
• Solved quadratic equations with more than one unknown, and found negative and irrational solutions.
• Preliminary concept of infinitesimal calculus, along with notable contributions towards integral calculus.
• Preliminary concept of mathematical analysis.
• Further extensive numerical work, including use of negative numbers and surds.
• Properties of zero (including division, and rules of operations with zero).
• Arithmetical terms, methods of multiplication, and squaring.
• Estimation of π.
• He also developed spherical trigonometry, along with other interesting trigonometrical results.
Astronomy-
• The length of the sidereal year, the time that is required for the Earth to orbit the Sun, as approximately 365.2588 days
• The paths of the Sun and Moon.
• The three problems of diurnal rotation.
• Lunar eclipses.
• Solar eclipses.
• Planetary mean motion.
• First visibilities of the planets.
• Astronomical instruments.
• Problems of astronomical calculations.
On 20 November 1981 the Indian Space Research Organisatio(n(ISRO) launched the Bhaskara II satellite honouring the mathematician and astronomer.
Mishika Goyal (XI B) Editorial Team
