Indian Mathematical Myths

Description: This quiz aims to test your knowledge about common myths and misconceptions surrounding Indian mathematics.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian mathematics history of mathematics myths and misconceptions
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Which ancient Indian mathematician is often credited with the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Baudhayana, an ancient Indian mathematician who lived around 800 BCE, is often credited with the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem, although it was known in other civilizations before him.

The Bakhshali manuscript, discovered in 1881, is believed to be the oldest surviving mathematical manuscript in the world. What language is it written in?

  1. Sanskrit

  2. Prakrit

  3. Tamil

  4. Arabic


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Bakhshali manuscript is written in a form of Prakrit, an ancient Indian language.

Which Indian mathematician is known for his contributions to algebra, including the development of the concept of negative numbers?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Brahmagupta, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 7th century CE, is known for his contributions to algebra, including the development of the concept of negative numbers.

The Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, was first described by which Indian mathematician?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Fibonacci


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 5th century CE, first described the Fibonacci sequence in his work, the Aryabhatiya.

Which Indian mathematician is credited with developing the concept of zero as a number and a placeholder in the decimal system?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata is credited with developing the concept of zero as a number and a placeholder in the decimal system.

The ancient Indian mathematical text, the Sulba Sutras, is primarily concerned with which area of mathematics?

  1. Geometry

  2. Algebra

  3. Trigonometry

  4. Calculus


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Sulba Sutras are a collection of ancient Indian texts that deal primarily with geometry, particularly the construction of altars and other religious structures.

Which Indian mathematician is known for his work on trigonometry, including the development of trigonometric identities and the sine table?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhaskara II, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 12th century CE, is known for his work on trigonometry, including the development of trigonometric identities and the sine table.

The ancient Indian mathematical text, the Lilavati, is primarily concerned with which area of mathematics?

  1. Geometry

  2. Algebra

  3. Trigonometry

  4. Calculus


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Lilavati is a mathematical text written by the Indian mathematician Bhaskara II in the 12th century CE. It deals primarily with algebra, including topics such as arithmetic, quadratic equations, and indeterminate equations.

Which Indian mathematician is known for his work on calculus, including the development of the concept of the derivative?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Madhava of Sangamagrama


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Madhava of Sangamagrama, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 14th century CE, is known for his work on calculus, including the development of the concept of the derivative.

The ancient Indian mathematical text, the Surya Siddhanta, is primarily concerned with which area of mathematics?

  1. Geometry

  2. Algebra

  3. Trigonometry

  4. Astronomy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Surya Siddhanta is an ancient Indian mathematical text that deals primarily with astronomy, including topics such as the motion of the sun, moon, and planets, and the calculation of eclipses.

Which Indian mathematician is known for his work on number theory, including the development of the concept of perfect numbers?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Srinivasa Ramanujan


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 20th century CE, is known for his work on number theory, including the development of the concept of perfect numbers.

The ancient Indian mathematical text, the Ganita Sara Sangraha, is primarily concerned with which area of mathematics?

  1. Geometry

  2. Algebra

  3. Trigonometry

  4. Number Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ganita Sara Sangraha is a mathematical text written by the Indian mathematician Mahavira in the 9th century CE. It deals primarily with number theory, including topics such as prime numbers, factorization, and Diophantine equations.

Which Indian mathematician is known for his work on combinatorics, including the development of Pascal's triangle?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Pingala


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Pingala, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 2nd century BCE, is known for his work on combinatorics, including the development of Pascal's triangle.

The ancient Indian mathematical text, the Yuktibhāṣā, is primarily concerned with which area of mathematics?

  1. Geometry

  2. Algebra

  3. Trigonometry

  4. Logic


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Yuktibhāṣā is a mathematical text written by the Indian mathematician Jaina Hemachandra in the 12th century CE. It deals primarily with logic, including topics such as syllogisms, fallacies, and the theory of inference.

Which Indian mathematician is known for his work on probability, including the development of the concept of conditional probability?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Baudhayana

  4. Narayana Pandit


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Narayana Pandit, an Indian mathematician who lived in the 14th century CE, is known for his work on probability, including the development of the concept of conditional probability.

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