History of the Study of Mathematics in China

Author: Wang Yusheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: This book is one of the "Special Topic History Series." Traditional Chinese mathematics has a long history and is a unique gem in the vast garden of traditional Chinese scientific and cultural achievements, as well as a brilliant pearl in the treasure trove of world culture. The book is divided into historical periods such as pre-Qin to Han and Tang, Song, Liao, Jin, and Yuan, Ming, and late Qing, detailing the lives of famous mathematicians and the contents of major mathematical works from The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art to The Treatise on the Methods of Interpolation. It then describes traditional Chinese mathematical theories and computational methods, covering topics such as numerals and notation, calculating tools and arithmetic, the extension of number concepts, geometric problems and right-angled triangle measurements, numerical solutions to higher-order equations, the Tian Yuan method and Si Yuan method, higher-order difference sequences, congruence theory, the Bagua and magic squares, among others. Additionally, it discusses ancient Chinese mathematical education, exchanges between Chinese and foreign mathematics, and the origins of modern Chinese mathematical research. Finally, it provides a summary of the fundamental characteristics of traditional Chinese mathematics.