Was Pythagoras Chinese-Revisiting an old debate
After reading this article, I was surprised that
Due to the geographical isolation of China in ancient times, the accepted history of mathematics in the western world largely ignores their contributions. By examining the history of Chinese mathematics, one can see they had an understanding of mathematics similar to that of the western world, and Greeks in particular. In cases such as the calculation of π and the proof of the right - angle theory, both Chinese and Greeks made astounding discoveries. The most prominent Greek mathematicians, such as Pythagoras and Archimedes are well known, though Chinese mathematicians with equal genius and comparable contributions to mathematics such as Lui Hui and Zu Chongzhi are pushed to the margins of fame.
It means that Chinese and Greek have the same contribution in developing the mathematics, but Chinese mathematics was ignored.
There are differences between Euclid's Elements and Jiu Zhang suahshu:
The Jiu Zhang suahshu gave the reader the tools to solve problems and did not concern itself with proving the authenticity of the tools.The Elements was nearly the opposite, as its chief concern was giving rigorous proof of ideas presented.
It is interesting that some of the same mathematical concepts developed differently in different places and times. I hope that you have a chance to bring some of these histories into your classrooms!
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