Zu Chongzhi - Mathematics

Mathematics

Part of a series of articles on the
mathematical constant π
Uses
  • Area of disk
  • Circumference
  • Use in other formulae
Properties
  • Irrationality
  • Transcendence
Value
  • Less than 22/7
  • Approximations
  • Memorization
People
  • Archimedes
  • Liu Hui
  • Zu Chongzhi
  • Madhava of Sangamagrama
  • William Jones
  • John Machin
  • John Wrench
  • Ludolph van Ceulen
  • Aryabhata
History
  • Chronology
  • Book
In culture
  • Legislation
  • Holiday
Related topics
  • Squaring the circle
  • Basel problem
  • Feynman point
  • Other topics related to π

The majority of Zu's great mathematical works are recorded in his lost text the Zhui Shu. Most scholars argue about his complexity since traditionally the Chinese had developed mathematics as algebraic and equational. Logically, scholars assume that the Zhui Shu yields methods of cubic equations. His works on the accurate value of pi describe the lengthy calculations involved. Zu used the method of exhaustion discovered and described 700 years earlier by Archimedes to inscribe a 12,288-gon. Zu's value of pi is precise to six decimal places and for a thousand years thereafter no subsequent mathematician computed a value this precise. Zu also worked on deducing the formula for the volume of a sphere.

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Famous quotes containing the word mathematics:

    “It is a monstrous thing to force a child to learn Latin or Greek or mathematics on the ground that they are an indispensable gymnastic for the mental powers. It would be monstrous even if it were true.”
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