Father of Pythagoras theorem is "Bothayanaar's theorem"

If we dig into India's history, many unbelievable things are been taken out. For instance, we all know  Pythagoras theorem

c2 = a2 + b2. (c square = a square + b square)

if a = 5 and b = 12

=5*5 + 12*12
=25+144
=169
= √ 169 
= 13
c = 13


a2 + b2 = c2

9*9 + b2 = 15*15
81 + b2 = 225
b2 = 144
b = √144
b = 12

This is know to all. Now a Tamil poet has written this algorithm like a poem.

"ஓடும் நீளம் தனை ஒரேஎட்டுக்கூறு ஆக்கி கூறிலே ஒன்றைத்தள்ளி குன்றத்தில் பாதியாய்ச் சேர்த்தால்வருவது கர்ணம் தானே"


Notable words:


ஓடும் நீளம் = Longest side
ஒரேஎட்டுக் கூறு = 8 parts
தள்ளி = subtract
பாதி = half


This poem is summarised as follows

c= (a - a/8) + (b/2)

c= (a - a/8) + (b/2)
= 4-(4/8) + (3/2)
= 5

It seems to be perfect. No square root required. Though it seems to be perfect it is not accurate. See more examples below.

 a = 24

b = 7

c= (a - a/8) + (b/2)
= 24-(24/8) + (7/2)
= 24.5

c= 24.5 ≠ 25

 a = 15

 b = 8

c= (a - a/8) + (b/2)
= 15-(15/8) + (8/2)
= 17.125

c= 17.125 ≠ 17


The above two examples clearly shows that the theorem is not very accurate. If decimals are neglected then it would give the correct answer. But the interesting thing is, it is 2000 years old theorem. Sad thing is we don't have any details of this great poet bothayanaar.