Page:The Algebra of Mohammed Ben Musa (1831).djvu/137

 Take one-third of the capital, and subtract from it one share; there remains one-third, less one share; add hereto one-fourth of what you have then it is one-third and one-fourth of one-third, less one share and one-fourth. Subtract one dirhem; there remains one-third of one and one-fourth, less one dirhem, and less one share and one-fourth. There remains from the one-third as much as five-eighteenths of the capital, less two-thirds of a dirhem, and less five-sixths of a share. Now subtract the second dirhem, and you retain five-eighteenths of the capital, less one dirhem and two-thirds, and less five-sixths of a share. Add to this two-thirds of the capital, and you have seventeen-eighteenths of the capital, less one dirhem and two-thirds, and less five-sixths of a share, equal to four shares. Reduce this, by removing the quantities. which are to be subtracted, and adding them to the shares; then you have seventeen-eighteenths of the capital, equal to four portions and five-sixths plus one dirhem and two-thirds. Complete your capital by adding to the four shares and five-sixths, and one dirhem and two-thirds, as much as one-seventeenth of the same. Assume, then, each share to be seventeen, and also one dirhem to be seventeen. The whole capital will then be one hundred and seventeen. If you wish to exhibit the dirhem distinctly, proceed with it as I have shown you.