author
active 3rd century-4th century Hui Liu
Known for one of the earliest great commentaries on Chinese mathematics, this 3rd-century scholar helped explain classic methods with unusual clarity. His work on geometry, surveying, and approximating pi shaped how later generations understood math.
1 Audiobook
海島算經
by active 3rd century-4th century Hui Liu
About the author
Best known as Liu Hui, he was a Chinese mathematician of the 3rd century CE, active during the Cao Wei period. He is most famous for his commentary on The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art in 263 CE, where he carefully explained earlier mathematical procedures and added important insights of his own.
He also wrote the Haidao Suanjing (The Sea Island Mathematical Manual), a short work on surveying that shows how to measure heights and distances indirectly. His writing is admired for being practical and clear, turning difficult problems into step-by-step methods.
Liu Hui is also remembered for his work on geometry and for refining calculations of pi. Even though little is known about his personal life, his books made him one of the most influential figures in the history of Chinese mathematics.