active 3rd century-4th century Hui Liu

Living in the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Hui flourished in the 3rd century CE. He is remembered chiefly for his 263 commentary on The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, one of the most important mathematical works in ancient China.

His writing did more than explain earlier methods. Liu Hui clarified procedures, gave reasoning behind calculations, and made the text far more rigorous, which is why later generations treated his work as a major contribution in its own right.

He is also associated with The Sea Island Mathematical Manual, another classic Chinese mathematical text. Although little is known about his personal life, his surviving work secured his place as one of the great mathematical thinkers of early China.