SEJARAH MATEMATIKA: China

Summary

This video explores the rich history of mathematics in China, tracing its development from the Shang dynasty through the Qing dynasty. It highlights major mathematical achievements, including the invention of negative numbers, decimal systems, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Key figures such as Qin Zenfone, Zu Chongzhi, and Liu Hui are discussed, along with important works like 'Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art.' The video also examines the evolution of mathematical tools, from counting rods to the abacus, and emphasizes how Chinese mathematicians contributed to concepts like Pascal's Triangle, volume calculations, and early calculus. Overall, it showcases China's long-standing and independent mathematical tradition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mathematics in China developed independently due to the country's geographical isolation by mountains and oceans.
• 😀 The origins of Chinese mathematics can be traced back to the Shang dynasty (1600–1050 BC), including early use of the decimal system and negative numbers.
• 😀 Ancient Chinese mathematicians made significant contributions to algebra, geometry, number theory, and trigonometry.
• 😀 The earliest mathematical works include Oracle bone inscriptions, Mozi’s writings (330 BC), and Haising Kin Mathematics.
• 😀 Qin dynasty (212 BC) saw large-scale book burnings, limiting knowledge of its mathematics, but engineering projects like the Great Wall used advanced mathematical calculations.
• 😀 Han dynasty mathematics developed place value systems, counting boards (suzuli), and included negative numbers, fractions, and systematic arithmetic texts like Cuman Shu.
• 😀 During the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, Chinese mathematicians advanced algebra, numerical methods, and introduced techniques like Horner’s method and concepts such as Pascal's triangle.
• 😀 Ming dynasty saw the development of the abacus, a practical computational tool, and the publication of works like 'General Source of Computational Methods' (1592).
• 😀 Qing dynasty mathematicians, supported by Emperor Kangxi, compiled encyclopedic works and systematically introduced Western mathematical knowledge.
• 😀 Prominent Chinese mathematicians included Qin Zenfone Zongheng, Zu Chongzhi, Liu Hui, and Yang Hui, who contributed to calculations of π, volumes, and algebraic solutions.
• 😀 Chinese mathematics evolved over centuries with consistent innovation, blending practical applications like engineering and astronomy with theoretical developments.

Q & A

When did mathematics first begin to develop in China?

The development of mathematics in China is estimated to have begun around the 11th century BC, with early contributions such as simple arithmetic recorded on Oracle bones from the Shang dynasty (1600–1050 BC).

What are some of the mathematical fields developed in ancient China?

Ancient Chinese mathematicians developed fields including the real number system, negative numbers, algebra, geometry, number theory, and trigonometry.

Who was responsible for the Great Wall of China and how is it related to mathematics?

Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin dynasty ordered the construction of the Great Wall. Advanced calculation formulas for volume, area, and proportion were used in these large-scale construction projects.

How did the Han dynasty contribute to the development of mathematics?

During the Han dynasty, mathematics advanced with the development of a decimal place-value system, the use of counting boards and counting rods, negative numbers, fractions, and algorithms for solving arithmetic problems.

What are some notable mathematical texts from ancient China?

Famous texts include 'Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art' (Jiuzhang Suanshu), 'Huangji Jingshu', and 'Suan Jing', which covered arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and practical problem-solving methods.

Which mathematician introduced the concept of zero into Chinese mathematics?

The mathematician Qin Jiushao (Kinzu SAW) was the first to introduce the zero symbol into Chinese mathematics.

What is Pascal’s triangle, and who discovered it in China?

Pascal’s triangle is a triangular array of numbers representing binomial coefficients. It was discovered and proved by Yang Hui during the Song dynasty, about 600 years earlier than Pascal in the West.

How did the Tang dynasty formalize mathematics education?

In the Tang dynasty, mathematics became standardized in large schools, with works like 'Computation' by Li Zhi serving as official texts for the imperial examination system.

What was the significance of the abacus during the Ming dynasty?

The abacus, developed during the Ming dynasty, allowed for quick, portable, and accurate calculations, influencing the publication of new computational works.

Who were some of the most prominent mathematicians in the Qing dynasty?

During the Qing dynasty, notable mathematicians included Mei Wending, who compiled 'Suli Dinion' introducing Western mathematical knowledge, and he also summarized nearly all Chinese mathematical schools in his encyclopedic work 'Mei Suji'.

What mathematical achievements are associated with Zu Chongzhi?

Zu Chongzhi, a mathematician and astronomer of the 5th century, calculated the value of π to seven decimal places (3.1415926) and accurately determined the volume of a sphere.

How did Chinese mathematics evolve through dynasties?

Chinese mathematics evolved from simple arithmetic in the Shang dynasty, through decimal systems and algebra in the Han dynasty, systematic education in the Tang dynasty, advanced algebra and binomial theory in the Song dynasty, practical tools like the abacus in the Ming dynasty, to integration of Western mathematics in the Qing dynasty.