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Systematic Treatise on Arithmetic

work by Ch’eng Ta-wei

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The Systematic Treatise on Arithmetic (Suan jing) by Ch'eng Ta-wei, written in 1592, is a significant work in Chinese mathematics. It is a comprehensive text that covers a wide range of arithmetic topics, including the use of the abacus, fractions, and the calculation of square and cube roots. The treatise is notable for its systematic approach and its clear explanations, making it an important resource for understanding mathematical practices in China during the late Ming dynasty.1

The work is organized into 17 chapters and includes numerous problems and their solutions, often presented in a clear, step-by-step manner. Ch'eng Ta-wei's treatise was influential and widely used, contributing to the dissemination of mathematical knowledge. It reflects the advanced state of Chinese arithmetic at the time and served as a foundational text for later mathematicians.1

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