The Method of Excess and Deficiency in Early China: An Investigation on the Basis of the Problems of Excess and Deficiency in the Suanshushu (2007)
Zou, Dahai (Author)
Ziran Kexueshi Yanjiu (Studies in the History of Natural Sciences)
Volume: 26
Pages: 312--323
Edition Details: [Translated title.] In Chinese. Part of a special issue
Language: Chinese
The method of excess and deficiency that had general applications was important in ancient mathematics. Systematically considering the unearthed Suanshushu (Writings on reckoning), the Nine Chapters on Mathematical Procedures and other sources, this paper discusses the formation and spread of this method in early China. It argues that in Pre-Qin Period, there often appeared the situation that something was more in one case while was less in the other. In order to find the proper amount, ancient mathematicians created a method to tackle the problem on the basis of knowledge about rate, proportion and fraction. This method and its applications constituted a branch of mathematics in Pre-Qin China, which was recorded in the forerunner edition of the Nine Chapters. Influenced by it directly or indirectly, scholars in Pre-Qin to Han Period designed many problems of this method for social needs. And a few of the problems were compiled into the Suanshushu.
...MoreArticle Liao, Yuqun (2007) Retrospect and Prospect. Ziran Kexueshi Yanjiu (Studies in the History of Natural Sciences) (p. 265).
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