As thus for the calculation of the square measurements derived from the so-called side-and-diagonal number progression were used. With its help, approximations for 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}} can be produced, which is essential for measuring all types of square or square-related objects and surfaces (i.e. 1/1, 3/2, 7/5, 17/12, 41/29, 99/70). With this method, the squares defined by the numbers 12 and 17, whereas 12 defines the side of the square and 17 its diagonal, has been used as a standard value as early as in cuneiform Babylonian texts.[178]