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Suàn shù shū
The Suàn shù shū (筭數書), which means Book on Numbers and Computation, is one of the oldest mathematical manuscripts from China. It was written around 200 BCE and consists of 200 strips of bamboo.
There are 69 problems, each with a solution, covering topics like arithmetic, fractions, integer factorization, geometric sequences, inverse proportions, unit conversion, and error handling. Geometry problems show how to find the area of circles and rectangles, as well as the volume of three-dimensional solids, while assuming that π=3.
Throughout Chinese history, there have been various suàn shù shū written for different purposes and audiences. These texts typically cover fundamental mathematical concepts, including basic arithmetic operations, number theory, algebra, geometry, and various problem-solving techniques. They are intended to teach people how to perform calculations and solve mathematical problems.
One of the most famous suàn shù shū in Chinese history is the “Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art” (Jiuzhang Suanshu, 九章算术), which dates back to ancient China (circa 2nd century BCE). This text is one of the earliest known mathematical treatises in Chinese history and covers a wide range of mathematical topics, from simple arithmetic to more advanced algebraic methods. It has had a profound influence on the development of Chinese mathematics and served as a foundation for the study of mathematics in China for centuries.
Other notable suàn shù shū include the “Sea Mirror of Circle Measurements” (Yuanxi Suànfa, 圆 系 算 法) and the “Mathematical Manual in Nine Sections” (Jiuzhang Suànjing, 九章算经). These texts, along with many others, have contributed to the rich tradition of Chinese mathematics and its applications in various fields, including engineering, astronomy, and agriculture.
In summary, “Suàn shù shū” refers to arithmetic or mathematics books in the Chinese tradition, which have played a crucial role in teaching and advancing mathematical knowledge in China over the centuries.
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