Which limitation affected early applications of algebra within water distribution systems described by Al-Karaji?

💡 Explanation

When using algebra for hydraulic calculations, irrational numbers (e.g., square roots) arise commonly because discharge rates are proportional to sqrt(pressure), necessitating approximations that limit precision. Therefore approximation of irrational numbers results, rather than equation insolubility, reliance on base-60, or physical models exclusively, which refer to other calculation challenges.

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