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LIBRARY OF CHINESE CLASSICS
Chinese-English

'

Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns

I

[ JC ] *tt!:
45 l:
tfttlr if

Wirtten by Zhu Shijie

Translated into Modem Ch1ncsc by Guo Shuchun
Translated into English by Ch'en Tsru Hsin
Revised and Supplemented by Guo Jinhai

lI<r tl:lmit
Liaoning Education Press
----iiiiil___________ iiiiiiiii
___.............
__.. ===--= =
........... - ----- ---..,,

First Edition 2006

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, now known or to be invented,
without permission in writing from the publishers, ex
cept for brief quotations by reviewers.

ISBN 7-5382-6923-1
2006 Liaoning Education Press
Published by
Liaoning Education Pre.ss
No.25 Shiyi Weilu, Heping District, Shenyang, 110003
http://www.lep.com.cn
Printed by
Shenzhen Jiaxinda Printing Co., Ltd., China
Printed in the People's Republic of China
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ii* [ John N. Crossley ( *15:WJ.1) !::j Anthony W.-C. Lun ( ffi'$iF ) il : Chinese

Mathematics. A Concise History, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1987, P. 111 ] *ffl{E,ffi

(t{]ifit; Jean-Claude Manzloff ( D1) f1f1f Histoire des mathematiques chinoises
 ( { r:p1J: } a<Jw* A History of Chinese Mathematics ( Stephen S. Wilson if,
Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1997, p. 17 ) W ft: Jade Mirror of the Four Originso mi :g_,
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dans le Siyuan Yujian ( 1303 ) ( { ( 11Y7G.:li) r:p a<JJ'ffi-A:1JW.i!l} ), Paris: College

de France, lnstitut des Hautes .Etudes Chinoises ( Memoires de I' institut des Hautes

Etudes Chinoises, vol. 6); Andrea Breard( s:titt}. Re-kreation eines mathematischen
Konzeptes im cinesischen Diskurs. '' Reihen" vom I. bis zum 19. Jahrhundert [ { 4'00
34 i!*trtifl?:a<J.jij.,1Jm ( JA I tltgc.Jtl 19 tltfc. )} ], Boethius, vol. 42. Stuttgart: Franz
Steiner Verlag. 1999, pp. 178-264,,

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x-til!#, o ilr:f&lf tl{Jt&,t, 1998 ; i;':lt: 1ttillt&-t, 2001 n ffi 29-80 lnc
?JF9i!JR:if7.fi:: Christopher Cullen ( SJlfL ): Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient

China, the Zhou Bi Suan Jing ( { 9" 00i51"te{J:72>( !::.i: -!.<?.} )o Cambridge:

Cambridge University Press, 19960

 [4](i!}Jt) n*' HIM:. *r*Jxl.tl:ff. n:tStfrCo ttlll3: iI'rfi
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1Lft W Jl&t, 2001 ffi 8 l - 244 Jir m-.!A!.w:;$:: Shen Kangshen ( t,tjjft;!t ), John
1:f.c o

Crossley(}]!), Anthony W.-C. Lun( ffiW): The Nine Chapters on the Mathemati
calAn: Companion and Commentary( { ( 11.:;t ) t-Eff} )c Oxford: Oxford Uni
versity Press and Beijing: Science Press, 1999 0 i:f:17!.ffl*= Karine Chemla ( #}J ),
Guo Shuchun ( *TS:tSti= ): Les Neuf Chapitres: le classique mathematique de la Chine
Ancienne ( { 11$':.:;t: t:p i:ifta<JA} ) , Paris: Dunod Editeur , 20040

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Go ttinger Nachrichten ( 1900 ), pp. 253-297 ; Mary F. Winston Jtw1'J)(:

Mathematical Problems: Lecture Delivered Before the International Congress of Math
ematicians at Paris in I 900, .!A!.: Bulletin of theAmerican Mathematical Society, vol. 8
( 1902 ),pp. 437-479; -11}.l\&rbavid Hilbert, GesammelteAbhandlungen. Berlin: Springer
Verlag, 1935, vol. 3, pp. 290-329; Felix Brooder: Mathematical DevelopmentsAris
35

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255 }i:( 0 m-fil Frank J. Swetz $Jw:;$:: The Sea Island Mathematical Manual: Survey
ing and Mathematics in Ancient China. University Park: Pennsylvania State University
Press, 1992; Shen Kangshen ( tt.ll;!t ), John Crossley ( J.11!. ), Anthony W.-C. Lun
( ft$#f- ) : The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art: Companion and Com.mentary
{ ( 1L* ) riff }0 0xford: Oxford University Press and Beijing: Science Press,
1999. pp. 518-5590
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( :iif!El ) !=j Ang Tian-Se ( W,;:,c) 1Jw;zfs:: Fleeting Footsteps. Tracing the Con-

ception of Arithmetic and Algebra in Ancient China. Singapore: World Scientific, 1992;

2004 ffl: f;fJ * 0

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Ch 'in Chiu-shao ., Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1973 0

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Duan ( Old Mathematics in Expanded Sections ), Archive for History of Exact Sciences,

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40
 INTRODUCTION
by Guo Shuchun and Guo Jinhai

Th e Si Yuan Yu Jian ( Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns 1 1 j was writ- c

::,
'?':"
ten in three parts by Zhu Shijie and published in 1303 during the Yuan dynasty. ;;;;J
0

::,
en
It is the most advanced work o f traditional Chinese mathematics.

In order to understand its status in the history of math ematics in China

and internationally, we first need to introduce briefly the general situation of
traditional Chinese mathematics before the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns
was written.
Traditional Chine se math ematics is one o f the most advanced basic dis-
ciplines in ancient China, and fr om the 3rd c entury BCE to the b eginning of
41
th e 14th century CE, was th e leading and most advanc ed in th e world for
more than 1700 y ears. Compared with the state of math ematics in th e medi
e val W est, th e Jad e Mirro r certainly represents one of the le ading and most
significant mathematical developments on the world math ematical scene.
Although Chinese history written in characters is very early, no m.ath
ematical works have survived fr om thre e o f the earliest dynasties, including
the Xia, Shang, and W estern Zhou, nor from the Spring and Autumn period
as we ll. Therefore, th e natur e of the dev elopment of Chinese mathematics
during these p eriods is not clearly understood. At pres ent, we know that the
Chinese created the most convenient means of numeration in the world: th e
 R9
.3i decimal place-value system, accompanied by what at the time was the most
advanced calculation method as well: counting-rods. These are two of the
1'f world's most significant accomplishments. The character of traditional Chi-
nese mathematics is different from ancient Greek mathematics, but the num-
her system and method of computation are two innovations that have an in
separable connection.
The Warring States period and the Qin and Han dynasties established
the foundations for unifying China with respect to systems of organization,
business practices, territorial boundaries, cultural products, intellectual matters,
etc. Furthermore, they established the foundations for Chinese civilization
and also for traditional Chinese mathematics. The Suan Shu Shu ( Book of
Arithmetic )I 21, the Zhou Bi Suan Jing ( Arithmetical Classic of the Gnomon
and the Circular Paths of Heaven ) I 3 l, and the Jiu Zhang Suan Shu ( The
Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures ) l 4 l, were finished between the
Warring States period and the beginning of the Western Han dynasty. Many
aspects of Chinese mathematics were ahead of the world 's leading levels,
42
and some exceeded them for more than a thousand years, including computa
tions with the four basic arithmetic operations for fractions, the arithmetic of
proportion and proportional distribution, the rule of excess and deficiency,
the approximation of square and cube roots, solutions of simultaneous
equations, rules of addition and subtraction for positive and negative numbers,
finding so-called "Pythagorean" triples, etc. The Nine Chapters of Math
ematical Procedures established the basic framework for traditional Chinese
mathematics. It closely relates theory and practice. Focusing on computations,
the character of its arithmetic is structural and mechanical, which influenced
the development of Chinese and oriental mathematics for the next two thou-
sand years or so thereafter. It also shows that alongside the significant math
ematical developments in the Mediterranean, China ( and later India and the
Islamic Near East ) were also important centres of mathematical activity. Chi
nese mathematics also represents a different emphasis, one employing the
c
:,
relationships between quantities rather than geometric space and logical :;,,.'
:,
0
deduction. It reflects as well mathematics turning away from an emphasis
en
primarily upon deductive logic to an arithmetic tendency combining induc
tive and deductive logic.
From the end of the Eastern Han dynasty to the Wei, Jin and Southern
and Northern dynasties, economy and politics were based upon a system of
manorial serfdom. The practice among scholars of debating the "three
mysteries" ( these were the san xuan, which mainly included the Book of
Changes, the Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi) replaced the trivialjing xue ( classical
studies ) in the two Han periods. Chinese society developed into a new phase.
The accumulation of mathematical knowledge, the spirit of debate among
scholars, and the influence of Mohist thought spurred Liu Hui of the Wei
43
period to write his Commentary on "The Nine Chapters of Mathematical
Procedures". He "analyzed the principles, and used the diagrams to display
their components," and gave many rigorous mathematical definitions. He
used deductive logic as his main method to prove the mathematical principles
of The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures, the most comprehensive
work of traditional Chinese mathematics. His proof of the formula for the
area of a circle and Liu Hui' s theorem [ 5 l were the first in China to intro
duce the concept of limit and the method of infinitesimals into mathematical
proofs. His method of cutting the circle without limit and his idea of "solving
with infinitesimals" ( qiu wei shu ) provided the foundation for the calcula-
 tion of ,r in Chinese mathematics. In fact, Liu Hui' s theorem for determin
ing the volumes of solids is related to the third problem brought forward by
-
ijlj
David Hilbert ( 1862 - 1943 ), who presented his famous list of 23
"unsolved problems for the 20th century" at the International Congress of
Mathematicians held in Paris in 1900. i 6 1 Liu Hui' s Hai Dao Suan Jing
( Sea Island Mathematical Manual) ( 7 l was devoted to Chinese techniques
for measuring heights and distances, for which the method of double differ
ences was the main method used, one that was not surpassed for more than
1300 years, until the introduction of Western methods for the measurement of
heights and distances at the end of the Ming dynasty. r 8 j Another landmark
contribution to Chinese mathematics was the Zhui Shu by Zu Chongzhi ( 429
- 500 CE), a more profound book written in the Southern dynasty. It is a
pity that officers at the Suan Xue Guan ( Mathematics Bureau) during the
Sui and Tang dynasties were unable to understand it, and as a result, it was
eventually abolished. l 9 l Subsequently, the book was lost. At present, we
only know two of its contributions advanced by Zu Chongzhi and his son Zu
44
Gengzhi based on the foundations of Liu Hui' s achievement. One of these
was the computation of the value of to eight decimal places, as well as a
i ;
,r

more accurate ratio for ,r : f the second was Zu Gengzhi' s theorem

( equivalent to Cavalieri' s theorem in the West), by which Zu Gengzhi de
termined the correct formula for the volume of a sphere. Other classic texts
of ancient Chinese mathematics gave solutions for expressions of congruence
of first degree, as did the Sun Zi Suan Jing ( Master Sun's Mathematical
Manual) ( 4th century CE)l 10 l, and the method of the "Hundred Fowls" in
the Zhang Qiujian Suan Jing ( Zhang Qiujian's Mathematical Classic) ( 5th
century CE) [ 11 l, among others.
 With the great development of agriculture, handicraft industry, and
commerce, many new factors influenced Chinese economy and politics be
ginning in the middle period of the Tang dynasty. During the Song and Yuan
dynasties, these influences became more mature. Moreover, the atmosphere
within the circle of intellectuals was co1nparatively free. Ancient Chinese
science and technology developed to new heights. In the first half of the 11th
century, Jia Xian composed the Huang Di Jiu Zhang Suan Jing Xi Cao

==
-=
==
( Detailed Explanation of the Ancient Classic, Nine Chapters ) ( first half of C":t
11 th century CE ) l 12 l, in which he made the solution methods of The Nine
en-=
en=
:Di
Chapters of Mathematical Procedures more abstract. He created the method C":t -<

:z
of kai fang zuo fa hen yuan ( origin of the method for extracting roots ), that C":t
:ii::

is, Jia Xian's triangle and the method of zeng cheng kai fang fa ( a method
for extracting roots using addition and multiplication, similar to Horner's
...
method ), which represents the apex of Chinese mathematics in the Song and
Yuan dynasties.
The l 3th century was a period during which the most important math
45
ematical works were handed down to the present. At that time, there were two
mathematical centres, one in the south, another in the north. The lower reaches
of the Yangtze River were governed by the Southern Song dynasty, where a
centre emerged which included Qin Jiushao and Yang Hui. They advanced
solutions for equations of higher powers, for linear indeterminate equations,
and improved the simple methods of calculation for multiplication and divi
sion among their main contributions. Qin Jiushao ( ea. 1202 - 1261 CE )
composed the Shu Shu Jiu Zhang ( Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections )
( 1247 )( 13 l, in which he put forward the method da yan zong shu shu ( general
da ya,i method ), thereby consummated the 1nethod for expressions of con-
 gruence of first degree, and improved the numerical solutions of equations of
higher powers. Yang Hui composed the Xiang lie Jiu Zhang Suan Fa
( Detailed Explanations of the Algorithms in the Nine Chapters )( 1261 )l 14 l,
and the Yang Hui Suan Fa ( Yang Hui 's Mathematical Methods) ( 1247-
1275 )[ 1 l, among other works. Yang achieved considerable success with his
duo ji shu ( methods for summing series ), and improved the simple methods
of calculation for multiplication, division, etc. The northern mathematical
centre governed by the Jin and Yuan dynasties developed the tian yuan shu
( celestial element method ) for solving equations of higher degree, er yuan
shu ( two elements method ), and san yuan shu ( three elements method),
for solving quadratic and cubic equations, the knowledge of gou gu rong yuan
( measurements of right triangles and circles), and duo ji shu ( methods for
summing series). Li Ye ( 1192-1279) wrote the Ce Yuan Hai Jing ( Sea
Mirror of Circle Measurements)( 1248)! 16 1 and the Yi Gu Yan Duan ( Old
Mathematics in ExpandedSections) ( 1259) ! 17 l, both of which are devoted
to the method of tian yuan shu ( celestial element method). Wang Xun
46
( 1235-1281) andGuoShoujing( 1231-1316) usedtheduojizhaocha
.method ( for summation of finite series) in the Shou Shi Calendar. Zhu
Shijie, at the end of the l 3th century, studied and accepted the best results and
methods from the two mathematical centres in the south and the north, and as
a result, his mathematical achievements were even greater than those of his
predecessors.

Zhu Shijie, also know as Hangqing and Songting, resided in Yan ( or

Yan Shan, today Beijing or its near vicinity ). Neither the dates of his birth or
death are known. Indeed, virtually no details of his personal life have survived,
except for the fact that he was well-known as a great mathematician, having

"T1
0
traveled throughout the country for more than 20 years. The number of people c
c
coming from all directions to see him increased daily. I 18 I His Suan Xue Qi ::,
"'
::,
0
Meng ( Introduction to Mathematical Studies ) [ 19 l and the Jade Mirror of
:::,
Cl>

the Four Unknowns were both successively published at Yangzhou in 1299

c::
enza =
-=
and 1303, respectively. Zhu is one of the few professional mathematicians C':
and mathematical educators in the history of China.
en=
eS
en=
Sit
There is some introductory information at the beginning of the Suan Xue -<

Qi Meng. Then the work is divided into three books which include 20 sections

......en:z
:I:
and 259 problems. Its contents concern many aspects of the mathematics of the
Yuan dynasty, such as the operations and simple calculating methods of multi
plication and division, root extraction methods, the tian yuan shu ( celestial
element method ), finding solutions for simultaneous equations, methods for
summing finite series, and so on. The contents range from the simple to the
47
profound, and represent a more or less integrated system. It served no doubt as
a teaching manual for Zhu Shijie to teach his students. The methods improving
the rod arithmetic for multiplication and division were an important aspect of
mathematics in the Song and Yuan dynasties. Because this sort of mathematics
was a mundane activity related to commerce, some great scholarly mathemati
cians such as Li Ye disdained it. However, Yang Hui, Zhu Shijie and others
regarded it as very important. Zhu Shijie evem turned all kinds of useful for
mulas for simple calculations of multiplication and division into rhymed verses
that were easy to memorize and much easier to use than Yang Hui' s. Some of
these were especially suited for calculating with the abacus, and the develop-
 ment of simpler calculating methods for multiplication and division helped bring
the abacus into prominence. In the Ming dynasty, the abacus ultimately took
the place of counting rods, and it remains a very useful tool in China, Japan, and
Southeast Asia even today.
The Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns, consisting of three books di
vided into 24 sections, contains 288 problems. The principles of both ancient
and modem methods of elimination including four kinds of diagrams are in
cluded at the beginning of the work. And there are four introductory prob
lems in the si xiang xi cao jia ling zhi tu ( a chart of the detailed solutions for
the four exemplary problems with one to' four unknowns ), which demon
strate the solutions for the "celestial element method" ( tian yuan shu ), the
"two elements method" ( er yuan shu ), the "three elements method" ( san
yuan shu ), and the"four elements method"( si yuan shu ). The main achieve
ments of the Jade Mirror of Four Unknowns are the"four elements method"
for the solution of a group of simultaneous equations of higher degree in as
many as four unknowns and the procedure for computing the sum of arith
48 metic series of higher degree and the method of higher power finite differences.
The Si Ku Quan Shu ( an encyclopedic collection of classic texts ) com
piled during the Qian Long period, did not include the Introduction to Math
ematical Studies or the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns, both of which had
been lost. At the beginning of the Jia Qing period, Ruan Yuan ( 1764-
1849) saw a copy of the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns in Zhejiang.
Thereafter, among those who studied this text were Li Rui ( 1768 - 1817 ),
Shen Qinpei [ 20 I, Luo Shilin ( 1789- 18 53 ) [ 21 l, Dai Xu ( 1805 -1860 ) l 22 l,
Li Shanlan ( 1811 - 1882 ) [ 23 l, Ding Quzhong [ 24 l , Hua Hengfan ( 1833
- 1902 ) l 25 l, and Zhou Da [ 26 l. They did significant work for the method of
elimination applied to the four elements and for the duo ji zhao cha method.
 3

The numerical solution of equations of higher degree is one of the ad c

::,
7'"
vanced branches of traditional Chinese mathematics. The fang cheng ::,
0

::,
( rectangular arrays) method of ancient China is closely related to the modern (/)

theory of linear equations. The methods for solving equations with one un
known were all called kai fang shu ( method of extracting roots). The ping
fang shu ( method of extracting square roots) and Li fang shu ( method of
extracting cube roots) as applied in the shao guang ( diminishing breadth )
chapter of The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures are the earliest
methods for the extraction of roots in the history of Chinese mathematics.
With the improvements introduced by Liu Hui, in the Sun Zi Suan Jing( Master
Sun's Arithmetical Manual), and by others, increasingly accurate methods
were used to solve quadratic and cubic equations down to the time of Zu
Chongzhi [ 27 l and Wang Xiaotong [ 28 l ( 7th century). Zu Chongzhi could 49
even solve equations with negative coefficients. Jia Xian extended the tra
ditional methods to solve equations of higher degree, which was called Li
cheng shi suo fa ( table of binomial coefficients and methods for equations
of higher degree), in the course of which he introduced the Jia Xian Tri
angle as the ii cheng ( table). He also created the zeng cheng kai fang fa, a
method by which the coefficients of the JiaXian Triangle were generated
through successive additions and 1nultiplicati-ons. [ 29 louring the Song and
Yuan periods, Qin Jiushao, Li Ye, Zhu Shijie and others took the zeng cheng.
kai fang fa( the method of extracting roots by addition and multiplication)
as a central result, and used the zeng Ju kai fang shu( a method for extract-
 ing roots with positive and negative coefficients) as a means of providing
complete solutions in extracting positive roots of equations of higher degree.
Zhu Shijie modified the Lian zhi tong ti shu ( previously used by Qin Jiushao
and Li Ye), and called this the zhi fen method ( for solving equations of the
form ax" - a0 = 0, a - 1 ).
There was no uniform way of writing equations before the Song and
Yuan dynasties. In order to lay out equations on the counting board, clever
methods were usually needed with respect to different problems. Mathemati
cians created the tian yuan shu ( celestial element method) in the Jin and
Yuan periods. The so-called "celestial element method" is the method
whereby solutions are obtained from equations of any degree in one unknown.
This process is called the elimination of ruji.
As Zu Yi explained in the Preface to the Jade Mirror:"Later we find the
element tian in the book Yi Gu written by Jiang Zhou of Pingyang, in the
book Zhao Dan by Li Wenyi of Bolu, in the Qian Jing by Shi Xindao of
Luquan, in the Ru Ji Shi Suo by Liu Ruxie of Pingshui, and in the work of Yuan
50
Yu of Jiang." This roughly describes the progress of the origin, development,
and eventual perfection of the tian yuan shu. Li Ye also employed a method
using tian and di for the positive and negative powers of the element tian! 30 I.
By canceling the element di which expressed negative powers, Le Ye only
used the element tian. He ascertained its power according to its relative posi
tion with respect to yuan or tai, which expressed constant terms. Li Ye at first
placed the positive powers at the top and the negative powers at the bottom of
the counting board in his Ce Yuan Hai Jing ( Sea Mirror of Circle
Measurements, 1248, 1298 CE). He subsequently revised this in his Yi Gu
Yan Duan ( Old Mathematics in Expanded Sections, 1259), which then be-
came the standard format for the tian yuan shu. Zhu Shijie always used this
layout in his Suan Xue Qi Meng( Introduction to Mathematical Studies) and
Si Yuan Yu Jian ( Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns).
It was doubtless under the influence of the fang cheng shu ( rectangular
arrays method) in The Nine Chapters ofMathematical Procedures that the
tian yuan shu was generalized to accommodate two, three, and four unknown
elements. These were called the er yuan shu ( two elements method), the
san yuan shu ( three elements method ), and si yuan shu ( four elements
method) for solutions of equations of higher degree in two, three and four
unknowns, respectively. When Zu Yi referred to this process in his preface to
the Jade Mirror, he said:"It is from these books that Li Dezai of Pingyang
obtained the materials for his book, Liang Yi Qun Ying Ji Zhen ( A Collec
tion of Precious Problems in Two Unknowns), which also contains the un
known element di. In the Qian Kun Kuo Nang ( A Work on the Two
Unknowns) by Liu Dajian Runfu, the brother of Xing Song ( his another
name is Xing Bugao) of Huoshan, there are two problems at the end of the
51
book with the unknown element ren. My friend Zhu Hanging of Yan Shan
has for many years shown a deep interest in mathematics. He examined vari
ous studies of the Nine Chapters, especially with respect to the four elements
tian, di, ren and wu." [ 31 l This makes it clear that the creator of the four un
known elements method is Zhu Shijie, also known as Zhu Hanging.
Muo Ruo said, the layout of four unknown elements on the counting
board is as follows: "The method ( of the four unknown elements) for solv
ing equations puts the JG.E(. yuan ql the zero or empty element )in the centre,
the element Jc tian ( heaven) at the bottom, the element :it!!. di ( earth) on
the left, the element A ren ( man) on the right, and the element !fP1 wu ( thing)
 at the top." [ 32 l The er yuan shu ( method of two unknown elements ) in
volves two equations, each of which has two unknown elements; the san yuan
shu ( method of three unknown elements ) involves three equations, each of
which has three unknowns; and the si yuan shu ( method of four unknown
elements ) involves four equations, each of which has four unknown elements.
If x represents the unknown element tian, y the unknown element di, z the
unknown element ren, and u the unknown element wu, then the layout for the
method of four unknown elements is as follows:

. . . y3u3 y2u3 u3z 3 . . .

yu u3 u3z u3z2
3

2 u2z3 . . .
yu u2z u2z2
... y3u2 y2u2 u2
y2u yu u uz uz2 uz3
*
... y1u

... y3
y2 y z z2 73
..,

. . . xy3 xy2
xy x zx z2x z3x
. . . x 2y3 x2y2 x2y xi zx
2
z2 x2 z3x2 . . .
... x3y3 x.1y2 x3y x3 zx3 z 2x 3 z3x3 . . .
52

The product of both powers of two elements that one is border upon the
other is placed at the cross-point of corresponding rows on the horizon and on
the verticality. The product of both powers of two elements that one is not
border upon the other is placed at their crevice.
The elimination method of the four unknown elements is namely an elimi
nation method applied to equations of higher degree in more than two
unknowns. It is the outstanding creation of the Jade Mirror of the Four
Unknowns, that is, the four unknown elements are reduced to three elements,
then to two elements, and finally to a single equation of higher degree in one
unknown. This can then be solved using the zheng Ju kai fang method ( in
essence the same as the zeng cheng kai fang method, similar to Horner' s
method). However, concerning the actual process of this elimination procedure,
in discussing the si xiang xi cao jia ling zhi tu ( introductory problems), and
specifically the third and fourth problems ( san cai yun yuan - operations
with three unknowns, and si xiang hui yuan - operations with four unknowns),
Zhu Shijie only speaks of ti er xiao zhi ( eliminating by reducing the
degree), ren yi tian wei ( exchanging the positions of tian and ren), and "wu
-==
n !:::::
yi tian wei" ( exchanging the positions of tian and wu ). And after reducing
equations with three or four unknown elements ( san cai yun yuan or si xiang
en=
:DI
en
;:; -<
:1:11

enc:,

hui yuan ) to two expressions each of which has oly two unknown elements, n
...en
:I:

...
in reference to the second, third and fourth problems he only said hu yin tong z:
fen xiang xiao ( equalizing coefficients for elimination). All of his explana
tions are very brief. Zu Yi concluded, "By moving expressions from top to
bottom, from right to left, by applying multiplication and division, by various
methods of rearranging the terms, by assuming the unreal for the real, by
53
using the imaginary for the true, by using the positive and negative, by keep
ing some and eliminating others, and then changing the position of the count
ing rods and by attacking ( the problem) from the front or from one side, as
shown in the four examples, he finally works out the process of elimination in
a profound yet natural manner." r 33 J Nevertheless, the n1ain points of this
procedure remained obscure and were not easy to understand. Among those
who have studied the method of elimination of the four unknown elements, it
is commonly said that Shen Qinpei' s understanding as reflected in his un
published mid-Qing dynasty manuscript, Si Yuan Yu Jian Xi Cao ( Detailed
Explanation of the Jade Mirror, ea. 1829 ) accords quite closely with the original

uq
j meaning of the Jade Mirror.

The method for eliminating three and four unknown elements is called ti
ni! er xiao zhi. This means that expressions in four or three unknowns are re
duced to expressions in two unknowns. For example, to eliminate the ele
ment ti ( or y ) from equations in three unknown elements, consider the
following:
A2y2 + A 1y + A0 = 0
B2y2 + B 1y + Bo =0 ( I)
Where all of the coefficients A2 , A,, A0 ; B2, B,, 80 are polynomials in x
and z alone. The above two equations can then be rewritten as follows, the
rearrangement of terms meant to eliminate the element y2 :
( AzY + A 1 ) y + A0 =0
( BzY + B 1 ) y + B0 = 0
It is then a simple matter of cross-multiplying the first equation by B0
and the second by A0, and subtracting the two expressions which gives:
( A 2BO - AOB2 ) y + ( A ) BO - AOB I ) = 0 ( 2)
54
All the same, it is then a simple matter of cross-multiplying the first
equation by 82 and the second by A 2, and subtracting the two expressions,
which gives:
(3)
Taking the expressions ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) and one of the two expressions in
( I ) above as simultaneous equatiorts, the same process may be repeated to

yield the following expression:

Cy
I
+ CO = 0 ( 4)

As before, C1 and C0 are polynomials in x and z alone. Using the same

procedure as outlined above, equations which include only x and z, but not y,
can thus be found.
After carrying out the above tier xiao zhi elimintion process in the method
of four unknown elements, the positions of tian and ten are exchanged on the
counting board. If the element di ( y ) is eliminated from an expression of
three elements, the remaining two expressions with the elements tian ( x )
and ren ( z ) need to be rotated 90 degrees ( x ' s thus move to the fonner y'
s positions, and z' s move to the former x 's positions ); thus elements in the
fourth quadrant are moved to the third quadrant. Similarly, the positions of
tian ( x ) and wu ( u ) may be exchanged as follows: if the element tian ( x )
is eliminated from an equation of four elements, the remaining equations with
the elements di, ren, and wu need to be rotated on the counting board 180
degrees, taking the elements wu ( u' s ) to where the tians ( x' s ) were
previously; this in effect rotates all of the elements from the first and second
quadrants to the third and fourth quadrants. The equations in question remain
invariant during this kind of transformation. It is because the third quadrant is
often used in rod counting that this kind of transformation is done.
55
The hu yin tong fen ( equalizing coefficients ) method is used to reduce
expressions in two unknowns whose coefficients are laid out in more than
two rows on the counting board to expressions whose coefficients only oc
cupy two rows on the counting board. Take for example the equations of nth
degree in the two unknowns x and y:
Ax"+
n
+Ar 2
r +Ax+A
I O
=0
Bx"
n
+"+Bx 2
r- +Bx+B
I O
=0
Here the terms An,, A 2 , A 1 , A0, B,,, , 82, B,, 80 are al] polynomials in
which y occurs as the only unknown element; there is no element x in these
expressions. Through successive applications of mutual multiplication and
 cancellation, each of the terms x n, x,, _ 1
, , x2 can be eliminated, finally re
ducing these expressions to two equations in two rows. l 34:
Zhu Shijie' s method of elimination continues to play a major role in
contemporary research, even today. Wu Wenjun has said that he was in
spired in his own work by the fang cheng method in The Nine Chapters of
Mathematical Procedures, and Zhu Shijie' s method of elimination of the
four unknown elements. Combining these with other theories of modern
mathematics, Wu Wenjun found the san jiao hua zheng xu method ( the
Well-Ordering Principle of Polynomial System triangulation), and"deduced
solutions for completely solving simultaneous equations of higher degree ac
cording to this method." r 35 l
Among the problems solved by Zhu Shijie using the tian yuan shu
( celestial element 1nethod ), the er yuan shu( two elements method ), the san
yuan shu ( three elements method ), and the si yuan shu ( four elements
method ), he often used the duo ji shu ( the method of summing arithmetic
series ) and the zhao cha shu ( the method of differences ) to advance various
56 hypotheses. Therefore, the duo ji and zhao cha methods represent other im-
portant achievements found in the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns.
There are summation formulas for arithmetic progressions in both the Nine
Chapters, and in the Zhang Qiujian Suan Jing ( Zhang Qiujian' s Mathematical
Manual ), which is the more complete of the two. Agriculture and handicraft
industries were developed in the Song and Yuan dynasties, and a considerable
amount of grain, fruit, vegetables, pots, bottles, tiles, etc. were produced. Their
quantities needed to be calculated, and the duo Ji method emerged as a very
useful one as the times required.
Shen Kuo ( 1031-1095) was a mathematician in the Northern Song
dynasty. After studying problems of the summation of finite series, he ob-
 ::i c...
a g.
-Q)

served that a pile in the form of a chu tong ( frustum of a rectangular-based

-
a::::, a....

(')

-
pyramid ) could not be analyzed in terms of the chu tong formula found in the
Nine Chapters because ji er you xi ( literally "the pile has spaces," meaning et>
'TI
that computing the volume of a geometric solid like the chu tong is not the 0
c:

same as counting a number of discrete objects piled up in the shape of a chu

tong, the former being a continuous body, the latter a compilation of discrete
units piled one atop the other ). For the latter pile of discrete objects stacked
up in the shape of a chu tong, Shen Kuo created the xiji method ( a method
for summing finite series ). l 36 j This method actually gives a summation for
mula for arithmetic series of the second order. During the Southern Song
dynasty, Yang Hui brought forward several other duo ji formulas which also
concerned problems of summing arithmetic series of the second order. Wang
Xun, Guo Shoujing, and others solved computational problems involving the
distances the sun and moon traversed daily in degrees in the Shou Shi Calen
dar using the duo ji zhao cha method. Moreover, Zhu Shijie raised the duo Ji
zhao cha method to a more advanced level.
57
Zhu Shijie advanced a number of summation formulas for a sanjiao duo
( lit. "triangular pile" ), a stack of objects with a triangular base. r 37 ! Its for
mula for the general term is the sum of the first n terms of Zhu Shijie' s
formula for ajiao cao duo ( pile of hay, but this also serves as a technical
mathematical term for the sum of the first n integers ):

" i:l
f
S = i = I + 2 + + n = -1- n ( n + 1 )
2!
jiao cao duo
The summation of a san jiao duo ( triangular pile ) or Luo yi xing duo
( lit. "the next level afterjiao cao duo"; again, here this is a technical mathematical
expression meaning that the sum of the sanjiao duo series involves one iterated
term more than that for the one just before it, namely the sum for thejiao cao
 duo series ) is:
Sn =! i i ( i + 1 ) = i n ( n + 1 ) ( n + 2) sanjiao duo
! !
This is actually the problem of summing an arithmetic series of the sec
ond order, which was advanced by Yang Hui in the bie nao problem in the
chapter on shang gong ( construction consultations) in his Xiang lie Jiu
Zhang Suan Fa ( Detailed Analysis of the Mathematical Rules in the Nine
Chapters ). Zhu Shijie also used sa xing xing dud. or sanjiao Luo yi xing duo
( lit. "the next level after sanjiao duo" ), for which the formula is:
Sn = li j! i ( i + I ) ( i + 2) = 1, n ( n + 1 ) ( n + 2) ( n + 3 )
sa xing xing duo
The sanjiao sa xing xing duo ( or sa xing geng Luo yi xing duo ):

Sn =! 1, i ( i + 1 ) ( i + 2) ( i + 3 )
1
=5! n ( n + 1 ) ( n + 2 ) ( n + 3 ) ( n + 4)

The sanjiao sa xing geng Luo yi xing duo:

n 1
S,, =ti 5! i ( i + l ) ( i + 2) ( i + 3 ) ( i + 4 )

58 = J, n (' n + I ) ( n + 2 ) ( n + 3 ) ( n + 4 ) ( n + 5 )
Among these formulas, the sum of the first n terms of the former is ex
actly the nth term of the latter formula. Hence, the latter one is called the Luo
yi xing duo ( one rank after the former ). At the same time, all the terms of
every pile are numbers that can be read off directly from the second, third,
fourth, fifth, and sixth diagonals of the Jia Xian Triangle. And the sum of
every pile is the nth number of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh
diagonals, respectively. This is the reason why Zhu Shijie used two groups of
lines which run parallel to the left and right sides of the Jia Xian Triangle,
connecting all of the numbers in each sequence. Although the original text of
the Jade Mirror does not treat thes.e series as systematically as the above
notation suggests, in fact, Zhu Shijie must have had some such complete sys
tem in mind, for he was even able to derive the summation formula for the
first n terms of a san jiao duo ( triangular pile) whose general term is given
by the formula: ; i ( i + l ) ( i + 2) ( i + p - 1). The summation
!
formula is then as follows:
S" =i- 1 i ( i + l) ( i + 2) ... ( i +p - 1)
-,
,_ .P'

_ 1 n ( n + l) ( n + 2) ( n +p).
( p + 1) !
Clearly, when p = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, this gives the number of objects in every
previous pile.
Zhu Shijie also used the summation formula of tanJeng xing duo. Mul
tiplying every tenn of the san jiao duo by the order of the term gives the Ian
Jeng xing duo 's formula for the general term, namely: i ( i + 1) ( i +
p.
2 ) .. ( i +p - l) i. The summation formula of all the former terms is
then:
S"=i-\i(i+l)(i+2) (i+p-l)i= 1 n(n
= p. ( p +2) !
59
+ l)(n+2) (n+p)[(p+ l)n+ l].

When p= 1, 2 , 3, ... , it is si jiao duo, LanJeng xing duo, san jiao IanJeng
xing duo, or lanfeng geng luo yi xing duo, and so on.
Moreover, Zhu Shijie also solved problems concerning more compli
cated duo ji ( piles), such as san jiao tai duo, si jiao tai duo, etc.
In the section called "Ru Xiang Zhao Shu" ( Men Summoned as
Needed), Zhu Shijie made use of zhao cha ( difference) formulas like the
following:
f ( n )= n .'1 1 + i! n I) ..1 2
! n ( n - 1) ( n - 2) 3
(n + +

+j n ( n - l) ( n-2) ( n-3) 4
1
 In the above formula, L1 , is the first difference, L1 2
is the second
difference, L1 3 is the third difference, and L1 4 is the fourth difference. The
coefficient of the second difference is the volume of the jiao cao duo
( triangular haystack ) with n - I as its base. The coefficient of the third
difference is the volume of the san Jiao duo ( triangular pile ) with n - 2 as
its base. The coefficient of the fourth difference is the volume of a sa xing
xing duo with n - 3 as its base. Zhu Shijie' s formula is exactly the same as
the modem general formula. [ 3s J It is obvious that zhao cha method reduces
duo ji to the summation of every sanjiao duo by the operation for differences.
And every difference is uniquely determined by given duo ji. l 39 J
Most of these achievements of Zhu Shijie are well in advance of results
achieved elsewhere only centuries later by European mathematicians, for ex
ample in the l 7th, l 8th and l 9th centuries.
After the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns, Chinese mathematics suf
fered a disastrous decline. Regrettably, Qing mathematicians did not under
stand many of the significant mathematical contributions of the Song and
60 Yuan dynasties, such as zeng cheng kai fang fa ( method of extraction of
roots by addition and multiplication ), tian yuan shu ( celestial element
method ), or the si yuan shu ( method of the four unknowns ). No one was
interested in studying the important mathematical works of the Han, Wei,
Southern and Northern dynasties, or of the Song and Yuan periods. Some
works were even lost. Islamic mathematics and Western mathematics went
on to surpass that of China, and China lost its status as a leading country in
mathematics. But in retrospect, the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns may
be regarded as the last great creative work produced during the most flourish
ing period of traditional Chinese mathematics, and is the most advanced of
them all.
 S-fu-
a.
8.
c: s:
(') -
(D

oo

::s ...
4 a
g.
(D
..,,
0
c:
The Chinese text of the Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns reproduced ...
c
::::,

here is taken from a copy collated by Ding Quzhong in 1876, which was ::::,

based on another by Luo Shilin l 40 l. Guo Shuchun translated the ancient text ::,
(J)

into modern Chinese, and provides some helpful collations and comments.
For the English text, we rely primarily on the translation by Ch'en Tsai
Hsin ( 1879-1945 ) in the Library of the Institute for the History of Natu
ral Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Ch' en Tsai Hsin ( also
known as Ch 'en Huamin ), was born in Nanxin village ( near today's Fra
grant Mountain in the Haidian district of Beijing), Wanping county. As a
child he studied at a missionary school, then went to Peking University
( Huiwen Daxue was named Peking University in English before it was merged
into Yenching University ), from which he graduated in 1901. After teaching
at the university, where he taught mathematics, he subsequently went to the
61
United States where he studied at Columbia University' s Teachers College.
He obtained his masters degree from Columbia in 1912. It is known that he
was awarded the Ph.D. sometime prior to 1913. Consequently, he may well
be the first Chinese to have obtained a Ph.D. in mathematics. After returning
to China from America, he continued to teach at Peking University. In 1919,
Peking University was merged into Yenching University, which was estab
lished that same year. Ch' en Tsai Hsin was invited by the president of
Yenching University, John Leighton Stuart ( 1876 - 1962 ), to serve as Chair
man of the Department of Mathematics at the new university, a position Ch' en
held until he retired from teaching due to a serious illness in 1936. In addition
to mathematics, Ch' en Tsai Hsin was also interested in teaching
 Konantz, in the Department of Mathematics at Yenching University, he even
tually finished his translation sometime near the end of 1925. The results of
their collaboration were sent to the Harvard-Yenching Institute in 1929, which
in turn gave it to George Sarton ( 1884 - 1956 ), the famous historian of
science, for his advice about its publication. Sarton' s evaluation was very
favorable, and he recommended that it should be published with some changes
chiefly with respect to philological concerns. It is not known why it was not
62
subsequently published. Sarton examined the manuscript again in 1940,
and hoped that it would be possible to publish both the Chinese text and
Ch 'en's English translation in the Harvard-Yenching series. r 41 l This too
never happened, possibly due to the disruption in academic life caused by
World War II. Nevertheless, based upon Ch' en Tsai Hsin' s translation and
explanatory notes, _i t is clear that he had a deep appreciation for the elimina
tion method of the four unknowns and the solutions this method made pos
sible for such problems as those involving the Lian zhi tong ti method ( an
extraction method for equations of the form ax" - a0 = 0, for which a - 1 ).
His results are still valuable for current research on the history of Chinese
mathematics and for our understanding of traditional Chinese mathematics.
Guo Jinhai has revised the English manuscript. Because some pages are
now missing, the translation of some problems cannot be found. These are
problems 14-20 in the section on Ming Ji Yan Duan ( Problems on Areas),
c
and problem 13 in the section on Bo Huan lie Tian ( Land Measurements). :::,
-;,,;
:::,

Guo Jinhai has supplied their English translations. He also translated the :::,
en
supplemental commentaries of Guo Shuchun, and together they wrote this
introduction in English. In addition to Ch' en Tsai Hsin ' s English preface
and introduction which he translated into Chinese, Guo Jinhai also investi
gated related materials about the life and work of Ch' en Tsai Hsin, and was
==
n =::::
-m
en
-:a
n-<
en c:,

responsible for comparison for both the Chinese and English parts of the book. n
z
In what follows, Ch' en Tsai Hsin' s commentaries are labeled with a C or ....
:z
....
en
the Chinese character ""; G or the Chinese character " '' denotes Guo
Shuchun' s supplementary comments. Moreover, Ch' en Tsai Hsin com
monly placed the character tai beside an equation's constant term, but this is
a mistake that goes back to the middle of the Qing dynasty. As a matter of
. y

63
fact, placing tai next to the constant term, or yuan beside the term of the first
power, expresses a polynomial, but does not express a kaifang shi ( what is
now called an "equation in one unknown" ). In the tian yuan method, once
two equivalent tian yuan equations are reduced to the kaifang layout on the
counting board by ru ji xiang xiao ( a technical term for equalizing and then
eliminating coefficients), the characters tai or yuan will be eliminated. l 42 1
Therefore, we have omitted the characters tai and yuan from the commentar
ies by Ch'en Tsai Hsin. As for transliterations of Chinese words, Ch'en Tsai
Hsin always used the Wade-Giles system. Instead, we have preferred to use
1nodern Chinese pinyin spellings.
 We are deeply grateful to a number of institutions for the support they
have given this project, including the Library of the Institute for the History of
Natural Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning Education Press,
and the National Library of China. We also appreciate deeply the help given to
us by the heirs of Ch 'en Tsai Hsin, including his daughter,Chen An, his grand
daughters Chen Yide and Chen Song, and his grandson, Chen Youru. There are
a number of individuals whom we also wish to thank, and from whom we have
received considerable support and unstinting help, including leaders of the In
stitute for the History of Natural Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Ch' en Tsai Hsin' s former colleague Xu Xianyu, Xu Sukui of Liaoning Edu
cation Press, Joseph W.Dauben, Liu Dun, Lin Wenzhao, Li Zhaohua, Liang
Liangxing, Tian Miao, and Xu Yibao. Finally, we would especially like to
thank Joseph W.Dauben, Lin Wenzhao, Li Zhaohua, Liang Liangxing, and Xu
Yibao. Lin Wenzhao, Li Zhaohua provided a lot of valuable suggestions for
the introduction; Joseph W.Dauben, Liang Liangxing, and Xu Yibao not only
revised the English introduction, but also added the research materials in for
eign languages. Their respectable spirit is of great benefit to the book.
64

(Notes]
[ I ] Zhu Shijie. Jade Mirror ofthe Four Unknowns. In Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo
kexue jishu dianji tonghui shuxue. Zheng:thou: Henan Education Press, 1993. Book I,

pp. 1205-1275. The work's title was translated by Ch' en Tsai Hsin as Precious Mirror
of the Four Elements. The same translation was used in Chinese Mathematics. A Concise

History which is an English edition of Zhong Guo Shu Xue Jian Shi written by Li Yan and

Du Shiran. ( See Li Yan and Du Shiran. Chinese Mathemarics. A Concise History. John
N. Crossley and Anthony W.-C. Lun, trans. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1987, p. I I I ); the
work's title was translated as Jade Mirror of the Four Origins in the English edition of
Jean-Claude Martzloff' s Histoire des mat hem atiques chinoises ( See JeanClaude
Martzloff. A History of Chinese Mathematics. Stephen S. Wilson, trans. Berlin: Springer-
Verlag, 1997, p. 17 ). Martzloff explains that the true significance of the title is best ren

dered as "Mirror ( trustworthy as ] jade [ relative to the ] four origins [ unknowns l"

See Martzloff 1997, p. 153. Given the Chinese title, Ji. yu means "jade" and :7C yuan
c
:::,
means "element," which in the context of this work means "unknown," so we havt: tran!S- 7'
::,

lated Zhu Shijie 's title as Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns according to the suggestion ::,
en
given by Joseph W. Dauben. Note that yua11 refers to "unknown" in the mathematical

sense, and sometimes is translated here as such, or as "unknown element." For a detailed

study of Zhu Shijie and his mathematics, consult Qian Baocong, ed. Zhong Guo Shu Xue -
-
nc
en=-
enP
n-<
Shi ( History of Chinese Mathematics ). Beijing: Science Press, 1964, pp. 175-205; Guo
enc
Shuchun and Liu Dun, ed. Li Yan Qian Baocong kexueshi quanji, Shenyang: Liaoning n
......
:I:
Education Press, 1998. Book 5, pp. 197-227; Du Shiran. Zhu Shijie yanjiu ( Research on :z
en
Zhu Shijie ). In Qian Baocong, et al., Song Yuan shuxue shi lunwen ji. Beijing: Science

Press, 1966, pp. 166-209; John Hoe. Les systemes d 'equations polyn6mes dans le Siyuan

Yujian ( 1303 ), Paris: College de France, Institut des Hautes Etudes Chinoises ( M emoi-

res de I' institut des Hautes Etudes Chinoises, vol. 6 ); Andrea Breard. Re-kreation eines
65
mathematischen Konzeptes im cinesischen Diskurs. "Reihen" vom I. bis zum 19.

Jahrhundert. ( Boethius, vol. 42 ). Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1999 ), pp. 178-264.

[ 2 J The Suan Shu Shu, unearthed from a Han dynasty tomb at Zhangjiashan,

Jiangling county in Hubei province in the 1980s, is a mathematical treatise written on

bamboo slips. For a transcription and facsimile of the bamboo strips that comprise this

document, see Bamboo Slips of a Han Dynasty Tomh at Zhangjiashan ( Tomb 247 ).

Beijing: Cultural Relics Publishing House, 2002; and Guo Shuchun. "Collation of the

Suanshushu," Zhongguo keji shiliao ( China Historical Materials of Science and

Technology), 22 ( 3) ( 2001 ), pp. 202-219.

[ 3 j Zhou Bi Suan Jing, annotated by Zhao Shuang, collated by Guo Shuchun and

gg
.3i Liu Dun, in Suon Jing Shi Shu ( Ten Mathematical Classics). Guo Shuchun and Liu Dun.

eds. Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press, 1998; Taipei: 'Jiu Zhang Press, 200 I, pp. 29-80.

See also the English translation: Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient China, the Zhou Bi

Suan Jing. Christopher Cullen, trans. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.

( 4] Jiu Zhang Suan Shu, annotated by Liu Hui and Li Chunfeng, collated by Guo

Shuchun. Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press, 1990; the supplemented edition was

publised by Liaoning Education Press and Jiu Zhang Press in 2004; also collated by Guo

Shuchun, in Suan Jing Shi Shu ( Ten Mathematical Classics ), Guo Shuchun and Liu Dun,

eds. Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press, 1998; Taipei: Jiu Zhang Press, 2001, pp. 81-

244. See as well the English translation, Shen Kangshen, The Nine Chapters on the Math-

ematical Art: Companion and Commentary, John Crossley and Anthony W.-C. Lun, trans.

Oxford: Oxford University Press and Beijing: Science Press, 1999. See Chinese-French

Edition: Karine Chemla and Guo Shuchun. les Neuf Chapitres: le classique mathematique

de la Chine Ancienne. Paris: Dunod Editeur, 2004.

( 5] Liu Hui' s theorem states: a cube is cut into two wedges. One of the wedges

66
is called a mti' qiandu. A qiandu is cut slantwise into one llEI !:?; yangma( a right quad,i-

lateral pyramid) and one!l;hienao( a tetrahedron with four right-triangle sides). The

proportion of the volume of a yangma to the volume of the bienao is two to one. This is the

foundation for Liu Hui's theories for determining the volume of a polyhedron.

[ 6] David Hilbert. "Mathematische Probleme. Vortrag, gehalten auf dem

intemationalen Mathematiker-Kongre 13 zu Paris 1900,"Giittinger Nachrichten ( 1900 ),

pp. 253-297; English translation by Mary F. Winston,"Mathematical Problems: Lecture

Delivered Before the International Congress of Mathematicians at Paris in 1900," Bulle-

tin of the American Mathematical Society, 8 ( 1902 ), pp. 437-479; repr. in David Hilbert,

Gesammelte Abhandlungen. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1935, Vol. 3, pp. 290-329; and in

Mathematical Developments Arisingfrom Hilbert Problems, Felix Brouder, ed., Providence,

RI: American Mathematical Society, 1976. Also translated into Chinese by Li Wenlin and

Yuan Xiangdong, Shuxue shi yiwen Ji. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Press,
1981, pp. 60-84.

[ 7 ]Liu Hui. Sea Island Mathematical Manual. Annotated by Li Chunfeng, collated

by Guo Shuchun and Liu Dun, in Suan Jing Shi Shu ( Ten Mathematical Classics ), Guo
c
::::,
;:,,;
::::,
Shuchun and Liu Dun, eds. Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press, 1998; Taipei: Jiu Zhang
::::,
(/)

Press, 2001, pp. 245-255. See as well the English translation by Frank J. Swetz, The Sea .
Island Mathematical Manual: Sun,eying and Mathematics in Ancient China. University Park:

Pennsylvania State University Press, 1992, and Shen Kangshen, John N. Crossley and An-

thony W.-C. Lun, The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art: Companion and Commentary.

Oxford: Oxford University Press and Beijing: Science Press, 1999, pp. 518-559.

[ 8 ] Guo Shuchun. Gudai shijie shu:i:ue taido11 Liu Hui ( Liu Hui, an Authoritative
Mathematician from Antiquity ). Jinan: Shandong Education Press, 1992 ): also reprinted
Taipei: Ming Wen Shu Ju, 1995.

[ 9] Wei Zheng. et al. Shi Shu Lii Li Zhi Shang. Beijing: Zhonghua Press, 1973,
p. 388. This work was written by Li Chunfeng.
[ 10] Sun Zi Suan Jing, collated by Guo Shuchun, in Suan Jing Shi Shu ( Ten Math- 67

ematical Classics ), Guo Shuchun and Liu Dun, eds. Shenyang: Liaoning E<lucation Press,

1998; Taipei: Jiu Zhang Press, 200 I, pp. 257-29 l. See the English translation of the Sun Zi
Suan Jing in Lam Lay Yong and Ang Tian-Se, Fleeting Footsteps. Tracing the Conception

of Arithmetic and Algebra in Ancient China. Singapore: World Scientific, 1992; repr. 2004.
[ 11 ] Zhang Qiujian. Zhang Qiujian Suan Jing, annotated by Li Chunfeng, collated
by Guo Shuchun, in Suan Jing Shi Shu ( Ten Mathematical Classics ), Guo Shuchun and

Liu Dun, eds.Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press, 1998; Taipei: Jiu Zhang Press, 2001,

pp. 293-348.
[ 12 J Jia Xian. Huang Di Jiu Zhang Suan Jing Xi Cao. Nearly two-thirds of the
contents of this work survive in Yang Hui' s Xiang lie Jiu Zhang Suan Fa. See: Guo

11'.9

.3i: Shuchun,"Huang Di Jiu Zhang Suan Jing Xi Cao Chu Tan"( An Elementary Exploration

of the Huang Di Jiu Zhang Suan Jing Xi Cao ), Ziran kexue shi yanjiu ( Studies in the

History of Natural Sciences ), 7 ( 4 ) ( 1988 ), pp. 328-334.

[ I 3] Qin Jiushao. Shu Shu Jiu Zhang. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue

jishu diunji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, I 993, Book I, pp.

439-724. See also the translation by Ulrich Libbrecht, Chinese Mathematics in the Thir-

teenth Century: the Shu-shu chiu-chang of Ch 'in Chiu-shao, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press,

1973.

[ 14] Yang Hui. Xiang lie Jiu Zhang Suan Fa. ln Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo

kexue jishu dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, 1993, Book l ,

pp. 949-1043.

[ 15] Yang Hui. Yang Hui Suan Fa. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu

dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, 1993, Book I, pp. 1047-

1117. The entire work has been translated into English by Lam Lay Yong, A Critical

Study of the Yang Hui Suan Fa. A Thirteenth-centur y Chinese Mathematical Treatise.

Singapore: Singapore University Press, 1977.

68
[ 16] Li Ye. Ce Yuan Hai Jing. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu dianji

tonghui shuxue: Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, 1993, Book I, pp. 729-869.For a

detailed study of Li Ye and his mathematics, consult Qian Baocong, ed. Zhong Guo Shu Xue

Shi ( History of Chinese Mathematics ). Beijing: Science Press, 1964, pp. 168-178; Guo

Shuchun and Liu Dun, ed. Li Yan Qian Baocong kexueshi quanji. Shenyang: Liaoning Educa-

tion Press, 1998. Book 5, pp. 186-196; Mei Rongzhao. Li Ye Ji Qi Shu Xue Zhu Zuo. In Qian

Baocong, et al., Song Yuan shuxue shi lunwen Ji. Beijing: Science Press, I 966, pp. I 04-148;

Karine Chernla. The Structures ofSea-mirror of Circle-measurements by Li Ye and His Ex-

pression of Mathematical Knowledge ( translated into Chinese by Guo Shirong ). In Li Di,

ed. Shuxueshi yanjiu wenji. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University Press, and Tai)X!i: Jiu Zhang
 3"(...
-Q)

Press, 1993. Book 5, pp. 123-142; Karine Chemla. "Du parallelisme entre enonces 8. g.
()

-
c: s:

-
00
mathematiques, analyse d' un formulaire redige en Chine au 13 siecle," Revue d 'histoire ::) .....

des sciences, 43 ( 1 ) ( 1990 ), pp. 57-80. (t)

,,
0
[ 17] Li Ye. Yi Gu Yan Duan. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu dianji c
c
::::,
tonghui shu.xue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, l 993, Book l, pp. 873-941. For a ;,,:
::::,
0
study of this text, see Lam Lay Yong and Ang Tian-Se, Li Ye and his Yi Gu Yan Duan
::::,
(/)

( Old Mathematics in Expanded Sections ), Archives for History ofExact Sciences, 29( 3 )

( 1984 ), pp. 237-266.

[ 18] Mo Ruo. The Former Introduction of Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns.

See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu dianji ronghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan

Education Press, 1993, Book I, p. 1205.

[ 19] Zhu Shijie. Suan Xue Qi Meng. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue

jishu dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, 1993, Book I, pp.

I123-1200. Excerpts from this text are translated into German in Andrea Breard. Re-

kreation eines mathematischen Konzeptes im cinesischen Diskurs. "Reihen" vom /.

bis zum 19. Jahrhundert. ( Boethius, Vol. 42 ). Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1999 ),
69
pp. 378-387.

[ 20 ] Shen Qinpei. Si Yuan Yu Jian Xi Cao. For a transcription of this text, see Guo

Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education

Press, 1993, Book 5, pp. 227-432.

[ 21 J Luo Shilin. Si Yuan Yu Jian Xi Cao. Shanghai: Commercial Press, 1937.

[ 22 J Dai Xu. Si Yuan Yu Jian Xi Cao. Manuscript. ln the National Tsinghua

University Library, Taiwan.

[ 23 ] Li Shanlan. Duo Ji Bi Lei. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu

dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henan Education Press, 1993, Book 5, pp. 911-963;

and Li Shanlan. Si Yuan lie. In Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu dianji tonghui -
 shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henao Education Press, 1993, Book 5, pp. 967-998.

[ 24 ] Ding Quzhong. Si Xiang Jia Ling Xi Cao. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo

kexue jishu dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou: Henao Education Press, 1993, Book I,

pp. 1276-1280.

[ 25] Hua Hengfang. Ji Jiao Shu. See Hua Hengfang. Xing Su Xuan Suan Gao.

Guang Xu Ren Wu Diao Liang Xi Hua Shi Cang Ban.

( 26] Zhou Da. Duo Ji Xin Yi. Manuscript. In the Library of the Institute for the

History of Natural Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing.

[ 27 ] Qian Baocong, ed. Zhong Guo Shu Xue Shi ( History of Chinese Mathe-

matics ). Beijing: Science Press, 1964; and Guo Shuchun and Liu Dun, ed. Li Yan Qian

Baocong kexueshi quanji. Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press, 1998. Book 5, pp. 97-98.

[ 28] Wang Xiaotong. Ji Gu Suan Jing. Collated by Guo Shuchun, in Suan Jing

Shi Shu ( Ten Mathematical Classics ). Guo Shuchun and Liu Dun, eds. Taipei: Jiu

Zhang Press, 200 I, pp. 413-442.

[ 29 J Yong le Da Dian Suan Shu. See Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo kexue jishu
70
dianji ronghui shuxue. Zhcngzhou: Henan Education Press, 1993, Book I, pp. 1416-

1427.

[ 30) Li Ye. Jing Zhai Gu Jin Tou. Beijing: Zhonghua Press, 1995, p. 32.

[ 31 J Zu Yi. The Latter Introduction of Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns. See

Guo Shuchun, ed. Zhongguo Kexue jishu dianji tonghui shuxue. Zhengzhou:Henan Edu-

cation Press, 1993, Book I, p. 1206.

[ 32 ] Cf. [ 18 ]. This is all discussed at length, as is the diagram below, in Andrea

Breard. Re-kreation eines mathematischen Konzeptes im cinesischen Diskurs. "Reihen

vom I. bis zum 19. Jahrhundert. ( Boethius, Vol. 42 ). Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag,
1999), pp. 178-188.

[ 33] Cf. [ 31 ] .

[ 34 J Li Zhaohua."Si Yuan Xiao Fa De Zeng Gen Yu Jian gen WenTi," ( On

::::r
.,,
CD

0
Problems of Extraneous and Lost Roots of Equations in the Method of the Four Elements), c
c
::,
Zira11 kexue slzi yanjiu ( Studies in the History of Natural Sciences ), 21 ( l ) ( 2002 ),
0

pp. 12-20. ::,
u,

[ 35 J Wu Wenjun."Jie Fang Cheng Qi Huo SOLVER Ruan Jian Xi Tong Gai

Shu," in Shuxue de shijian yu renshi ( Mathematics in Theory and Practice), 2 ( 1986 );

and Wu Wenjun. Wu Wenjun Lun shuxue Ji xie hua ( Jinan: Shandong Education Press,

1995), pp. 491-505.

[ 36] Shen Kuo. Meng Xi Bi Tan. Collated by Hu Daojing. Shanghai: Shanghai

Classics Publishing House, 1987, p. 574. For discussion of Shen Kuo' s "chutong with

spaces"( "chutong 1nit Lucken" ) see Andrea Breard. Re-kreation eines mathematischen

Konzeptes im cinesischen Diskurs. "Reihen "vom 1. bis zum 19. Jahrhundert. ( Boethius,

vol. 42 ). Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1999 ), pp. I 10-118.

( 37 J For detailed discussion of this and the different finite series that Zhu Shijie 71
considered in the Jade Mirror, see Qian Baocong, ed. Zhong Guo Shu Xue Sh/... History of

Chinese Mathematics ). Beijing: Science Press, 1964, pp. 175-205; Guo Shuchun and Liu

Dun, ed. Li Yan Qian Baocong kexueshi quanji. Shenyang: Liaoning Education Press,

1998. Book 5, pp. 197-227; Du Shiran. Zhu Shijie yanjiu ( Research on Zhu Shijie). In

Qian Baocong, et al., Song Yuan shuxue shi lunwen ji. Beijing: Science Press, 1966, pp.

166-209; the chapter devoted to Zhu Shijie in Andrea Breard. Re-kreation eines

mathematischen Konzeptes im cinesischen Diskurs. "Reihe11" vom I. bis zum /9.

Jahrhundert. Boethius, Vol. 42. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1999, pp. 189-264.

[ 38 ] Du Shiran. Zhu Shijie yanjiu ( Research on Zhu Shijie ). In Qian Baocong,

et al., Song Yuan shuxue shi lunwen ji ( Beijing: Science Press, 1966), pp. 185-196.
 [ 39 ] Li Zhaohua and Joseph C. Y. Chen. "Zhu Shijie Zhao Cha Shu Tan Yuan,"

( A Further Investigation on Zhu Shijie 's Interpolation Formula ), Ziran kexue shi yanjiu

( Studies in the History of Natural Sciences), 19 ( 1 ) ( 2000.), pp. 30-39.

[ 40] Cf.[ I }

[ 41 ] George Sarton. Introduction to the History of Science. Vol. III: Science and

Learning in the Fourteenth Century. Baltimore: the Williams & Wilkins Company, 1953,

p. 703.

[ 42] Guo Shuchun, Tian Miao, and Zou Dahai. Cheng Ji Zhuo Zhu De Zhong

Guo Shu Xue. Shenyang: Liaoning Classics Publishing House, l 995, pp. 129-130.

72
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 PREFACE
by Ch'en Tsai Hsin

Those who have been particularly interested in the history of mathematics

and in the Eastern culture have known the work of Zhu Shijie. However, no
complete translation of his great work Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns has
ever been made. When studying in Teachers College, Columbia University I
. was encouraged by Dr. David Eugene Smith to undertake such translation and
at that time made a beginning. As the years have passed I have realized the
importance of this work and am now happy to present it to the public in the
hope that it may not only fill a long-felt want in the history of the development
of thought but it may also give an increased appreciation of the old Chinese
culture.
I wish to express my great appreciation of the help given by my co
worker, Emma Louise Konantz, Professor of Mathen1atics in Yenching
74
University, who has put this work into its present English form and has made
many valuable suggestions.
We have maintained the Chinese notation wherever feasible. In most
cases it has seemed best to use the English equivalents.

Peking, China
November 22, 1925

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 INTRODUCTION
by Ch'en Tsai Hsin

[ Original Text ]
Toward the end of the l 7th century, a treatise on algebra, translated
from European sources by some of the Roman Catholic missionaries, was
laid before Emperor Kang Xi, who placed the book in the hand of Mei
Juecheng, a well known mathematician of the empire. The latter examined
the book and asserted that the principle was exactly the same as that found in
the old Chinese Tian Yuan Yi Shu (method by using the element tian ), a
Chinese algebra known in the 13th century or even earlier. He claimed also
that the Western world derived this science from the East and the word alge-
bra meant"came from the East." It is not my intention to enter into the origin
of the science, but rather to give a short account of the history of Chinese
.,,,.., algebra in connection with the work of Zhu Shijie, a translation of which will
76
form the major part of this work.
Zhu was born at Yanshan in the 13th century. At that time there were
living in China many prominent mathematicians such as Qin Jiushao, Guo
Shoujing, Yang Hui, and Li Ye. A list of names of like note appears in the
introduction of this book by Zu Yi Ji Xian Fu, where mention is made of men
like Jiang Zhou of Pingyang, Li Wenyi, Shi Xindao, Liu Ruxie, and many
others, who contributed much to the science of mathematics by the develop
ment of algebra. Although the books of these men are lost we learn,
nevertheless, from the titles which still remain that they were the materials
which Zhu Shijie obtained for his work.
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Zhu was the author of two books, the first was Suan Xue Qi Meng 8.
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work. These books were written without any doubt for the use of his pupils
who came from various places. In his first book, he treats of addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, mensuration, rules for measuring vari-
ous geometric forms, both plane and solid , excess and deficiency, the solu
tion of simultaneous equ_ations and evolution, which means also the solution
of higher equations of one unknown quantity. The book was divided into
three parts, containing 20 sections with 259 problems. It disappeared for a
long period from China but was finally discovered in Korea and has since
been reprinted several times in China.
The second book treats entirely of equations of higher degree. The method
employed will be set forth in the notes. It may be said, however, that it does
not differ materially from modem method.
77
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 THE FORMER INTRODUCTION OF
JADE MIRROR OF THE FOUR UN
KNOWNS
by Mo Ruo

Number is unity for unity is the beginning of all things. In the book of Yi
(changes) unity is the taiji (the great extremity). One produces two; two pro
n=
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duces four; four produces eight; and so on to infinity. Is this not the natural
-=a-
en
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way of number? The "Tu Shu [ 1 l" from He Luo betrays the secret and the
enc=
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Nine Chapters of Huang Di L 2 l expresses it in words. These nine chapters
n
beginning withfang tian (mensuration) and ending with gou gu (right triangles)
containing 246 rules, including san cai (three talents or elements) and lead to
......::z
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en

the whole universe, hence those who speak of number are unable to reach its
limit. Dayan[ 3 1 in the book of Yi, ii xiangl 4 l in the book of Shu, wan, yi and
zi 5 l in the book of Shi, san qian and san bai in the book of Li, and 360 in the
81
book of Zhou Guan, all these inform us that numbers are used in the different
classics as well as in the Nine Chapters.
For a long period no place was found for the teaching of mathematics,
therefore the science was almost entirely lost. The discrepancies in the reck
oning of the calendar, the defects in the mensuration of forms, and in the
forms of the square, circle, straight, and curved lines, and the disorder occa
sionally appearing in such common standards as the dou, sheng, shao, he f 6 l,
hao, Li, si, and hu l 7 l, prove to us the discontinuation of the development of
the ancient science.
Zhu Songting l 8 l of Y anshan is well-known as a great mathematician
 having traveled throughout the country for more than 20 years. The number
of people coming from all directions was increasing daily; therefore the mas
ter wrote this book in order to reveal the secret of the Nine Chapters to his
pupils. The book is divided into three parts in which there are 24 sections with

mr 288 problems. It is given the title of Si Yuan Yu Jian ( Jade Mirror of the
Four Unknowns ).
His method of solving equations is by putting the yuan qi ( JG4., ele
ment of void )in the centre, the element tian ( JC, heaven or sky ) at the bottom,
the element di ( .it!!., earth ) on the left, the element ren ( A, man ) on the right,
and the element wu ( !Im , thing ) at the top, by moving the positive and nega
tive terms from the top to the bottom, from the right to the left, by interchanging
and alternating their positions, and by many other different ways of arrange
ment of the terms. The book is used for the solution of problems of excess and
deficiency, of implicity of numbers, of equations containing positive and nega
tive terms, and of evolution ( which includes solution of higher equations ). It
82
is profoundly wonderful [ 9 l It extends the principles which were founded by
the ancient scholars. By the concentration of many elements into one, by con
trolling the san cai ( 7j- ), or three talents, under the great extremity, and by
multiplication and division, addition and subtraction it reaches out to the great
depth and far distance. It is a book of science in itself.
Now the science of mathematics is considered very important and an
examination of the subject will appear gradually. The book of the master will,
therefore, be of great benefit to the people of the world. The knowledge for
the investigation of things, the development of intellectual power, the way of
controlling the kingdom and of ruling even the whole world, can be obtained
by those who are able to make a good use of the book. Ought not those who
have great desire to be learned take this with them and study it with great
care?
In the day of shang yuan of the year gui mao[ 10 l during the reign of Da
De, written by Qian Jin Shi Mo Ruo of Linchuan.

[Notes]

[ 1 ] There is an old tradition in China that ancient sage. Fu Xi ( 2852 B. C. ) saw a

dragon horse emerge from the Yellow River with the tu (chart) on its back. Tradition

also states that Yu, the first emperor of the Xia dynasty observed the shu ( book) on the

back of the sacred tortoise. ( C)

[ 2 ]Huang Di, an legendary emperor in the 26th century B. C., caused his minister

Li Shou to write the The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures. ( C )

( 3 ] Da _van ( great extension ) is a rule for the solution of indeterminate problems.

The general principle is given by Qin Jiushao in the Shu Shu Jiu Zhang. ( C)
83
( 4 ) Lixiang, calculation of astronomical terms such as the reckoning of the

calendar. ( C)

[ 5] Wan, yi, and zi, that is 10,000, 100,000,000, and l ,000,000,000.000, are num-

bers mentioned in the collection of classic poems, Shi Jing. ( C )

[ 6 J Heaped Measure, see Appendix: Tables of Measures Used by Zhu Shijie in

I lis /11troductio11 to Mathematical Studies. ( C)

[ 7 J Linear Measure, see Appendix: Tables of Measures Used by Zhu Shijie in his

Introduction to Mathematical Studies. ( C)

[ 8 ] Zhu Songting is another name of Zhu Shijie. ( C )

[ 9 ) The original text changed the xuan ( 1r ) into yuan ( JC ) in order to avoid
 Emperor Kang Xi 's name. In. the following text, we directly return the character yuan to

the former character xuan, and don't annotate anymore. ( G )

[ 10] The year gui mao means 1303. ( G)

84
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0

::,
on mathematics appeared. The Nine Chapters, Zhou Bi, Hai Dao, Sun Zi, (/)

Zhang Qiu Jian [ 1 J , Xia Hou Yang, Wu Cao, Wu Jing Suan, Ji Gu, and Zhui
Shu were the books used in the examinations of mathematics for the selection

of scholars to investigate the science of mathematics. But the four elements,

tian, di, ren and wJ. 2: are not mentioned in any of these books. Later we find
the ele1nent tian in the book Yi Gu, composed by Jiang Zhou of Pingyang, in
the book Zhao Dan by Li Wenyi of Bolu, in the Qian Jing by Shi Xindao of
Luquan, in the Ru Ji Shi Suo by Liu Ruxie of Pingshui, and in the work of
Yuan Yu of Jiang r 3: . It is from these books that Li Dezai of Pingyang ob
tained the materials for his book Liang Yi Qun Ying Ji Zhen, which contains
89
also the element di. In the Qian Kun Kuo Nang by Liu Dajian Run Fu, the
brother of Xing Song ( his another name is Xing Bugao) of Huoshan, there
are two problems at the end of the book with the element ren.
My friend Zhu Hanqing of Yanshan has for many years shown a deep
interest in mathematics. He traces out the vestiges of the three talents searches
into the secret of the Nine Chapters, and considers the four elements tian, di,
ren and wu. He puts the yuan qi, void, in the middle and lets tian be the gou,
di the gu, ren the xian, and wu the huang fang.r 4 l By the aid of geometric
figures he explains their relations. By moving the expression from top to
bottom, fron1 right to left, by applying multiplication and division, by various
 methods in arranging the terms,[ 5 l by assuming the unreal for the real, by

using the imaginary for the true, by using the signs positive and negative, by

keeping some and eliminating others and then changing the position of the

sticks f 6 l, and by attacking from the front or from one side, as shown in the

J four examples, he finally works out the expression of evolution in a profound

yet natural manner. Now that the book is completed he calls it Si Yuan Yu

Jian. It contains three books corresponding to the three talents, four elements
corresponding to the four seasons, 24 sections corresponding to the 24 festi

vals r 7 i, and 288 problems pretending to correspond to the zhou tian.l s J The

yu f 9 l may be considered the virtuous knowledge of Hanqing: when in action

it gives a very clear and deep tone and when at rest it shines out without

restraint in beautiful rays in all directions. The jian' 10 J may be considered of

use in reflecting the phenomena of the four elements; when hidden it keeps its

brightness and when exposed it shines in all directions.

90 Hanging's name is Shijie and his hao is Songting. 1 11 :

He has traveled

through the country and at present is again sojourning in Guangling. People,

like clouds, come from the four directions to meet at his gate in order that they

may learn from him. Jn the year ji hai in the reign of Da De he composed the

book Suan Xue Qi Meng, which was published by the encouragement of Zhao

Yuanzhen, a well-educated gentleman, who has given a part of his wealth to

hire workers for the cutting of the plates for the book in order to make it

known to the world. He has thus assisted in the work from the beginning, and

will continue his unlimited generosity until the work is completed.

These two books are like two sides of the same thing, the inner and the
outer, each depending on the other.
When I was asked to write an introduction for this book I read it through
with great care and found that there were many things that I had never seen or
heard of before. By not using "yet" it is used, by not using a number the
number required is obtained. Hence I know that existing quantities come from
non-existing quantities. This profound work is therefore exceedingly progres-
sive as compared with the work of ancient mathematicians. Those who have
an interest in the subject may prove my words by working out the problems in
this book, thus finding the truth of my statement.
Written by Zu Yi Ji Xian Fu
In Hu Na Xin Zhai during the day jia zi of the second moon of the year
deng ke r 12 J in the reign of Da De.

[ Notes J
[ I J The original text changed the qiu ( Jr. ) into qiu ( Jif{) in order to avoid 91

Confucius' name. ( G )

[ 2] Tian, di, ren, wu ( heaven, earth, man, and things) are used as unknown

quantities like x, y, z, and w. ( C)

[ 3 ) It is not appropriate that Luo Shilin changed xi cao zhi into zhi xi cao .( G )

[ 4 J In a right triangle the vertical side is called the gu ( leg), the horizontal side

the gou ( hook ), and the hypotenuse the xian. The difference between the sum of the

two legs and the hypotenuse is called the huang fang. ( C)

( 5 J By transposing terms and simplifying. ( C )

[ 6 ] Sticks used for reckoning. ( C ) The reckoning-sticks were put in two forms.

WI
.3i. One was vertical, the other was horizontal.

1 2 3 4 5 6. 7 8 9
the vertical form I II 111 1111 11111 T 1r lTf TTTT

the horizontal form _L ...L

The vertical form was used for units, the horizontal form for tens, the vertical form

for hundreds, the horizontal form for thousands, and so on. The vertical alternated with the

horizontal. 0 was expressed by vacancy. They could express a numeral. And they could

express a fraction, a decimal fraction, an equation, and a group of equations. ( G )

[ 7 ] The Chinese divide the year into 24 festivals as eqinoxes, solstices, etc. ( C)
[ 8 J The zhou tian ( the circumference of the great circle of heaven) is divided

into 360 degrees. The earth's orbit. ( C ) The opinion that 288 is the number of the zhou

tian needs to be studied. 288 = 24 x 12. 24 is the number of solar terms in one solar year,

and 12 is the number of months. This opinion would be an explanation. ( G)

f 9) Yu means jade. gem, or other precious stones. Jade is particularly prized by

the Chinese because of its many desirable qualities, one of which is its resonance. Jade
92
is worn as a pendant or ornament and is considered a good omen. ( C)

[ 10 ] Jian means mirror. ( C )

[ 11 ] A Chinese often has two or three names, the first is used by parents and

older persons, the last two by friends. ( C )

[ 12] Dai Xu pointed out that gui mao ( 1303) was mistaken for deng ke. ( G)
.....,__
11 IJ l=I =p;lf: t/i22
ff tEffi 73
;(ffi 75
{ [9 7G33. lJlJ ff [ Jt] 78
t'J'c4: { [9Jt3s.} Ja ff [ J[j ] fil.liji 85
11
4*it:i5"zm 2
#**:i5"00 2
***:i5"00 32
JG m -*i1i$9:.z!E 34
:fP ro -* i'f{ }9:.z00 38
tt m *}jtJ9:.zlE 40
lmtlBz.00
-4..,ii
& rt. -
JG 42
.fx..-ft. JG 50
;..;f 3JG 64

JG 70
l:.
..tJ9:.,'t 86
i:f); fol JG 112
.i. ii. 150
Jl* 168
;lij" .:01 .tt 182
:fP'if F.t 210
q:i
-Jta :t f9:, ::fP 230
 ;:.i;m] 244
;..lf. Jt 00 262
llA;fY-i'.lia 282
XJ Jli)Jl'J -J!_ 310
A.1oJ,!k. 328
t..f9: 356
if;fY- 370
411'1 382
i:r.t 434
"f
*-ii-. 456
*' 496
j; ;f.. J!. 542
#.:: 578
1X.'*" 600
;f,.if)t 618
;..;;f i! 656
l!!1 -*JI J(. 678

Pf1: *i!ttE <Jal') t:pffla{J

--&- @2
CONTENTS

Introduction by Guo Shuchun and Guo Jinhai

41

Preface by Ch'en Tsai Hsin 74

Introduction by Ch'en Tsai Hsin 76
The Former Introduction of Jade Mi"or of the
Four Unknowns by Mo Ruo 81
The Latter Introduction of Jade Mirror of the
Four Unknowns by Zu Yi 89
Chart
Principles of the Ancient and Modem Meth
ods of Evolution (Solution of Equations) 3
Chart of the Ladder Form of Raising

Binomials to the Eighth Power 3

Chart of the Ancient Method of Rais-
ing Binomial to the Eighth Power 33
The Square of the Sum of the Four Quantities

of a Right Triangle 35
The Square of the Five He 39
The Square of the Five Jiao 41
Introductory Problems
The Unitary Nebula or One Unknown Quan-

tity 43
 The Mystery of the Two Natures or Two Un-
known Quantities 51
The Evolution of the Three Talents or Three
Unknown Quantities 65
Si1nultaneousness of the Four Phenomena or
Simultaneous Equations in Four Unknowns
71
Book I
Problems on Right Triangles and Rectangles
87
Problems on Plane Figures 113
Problems on Piece Goods 151
Problems on Store House for Grain 169
Problems on Labor 183
Problems on Equations with Fractional Roots
211
Book II
Mixed as You Please ( or Various Figures)
231
Containing Squares and Circles 245
Reckoning Circles with the "Three Values of
ff'' 263
Problems on Areas 283
Surveying with Right Triangles 311
Problems in Poetic Form 329
 Piles of Hay 357
Bundles of Arrows 371
Land Measurements 383
Men Summoned According to Need 435
Book III
Piles of Fruit 457
Figures within Other Figures 497
Simultaneous Equations Positive and Nega-
tive 5
Miscellaneous Problems 579
Expressions in Two Unknown Elements 601
Left, Right, You Meet Elements 619
Changing of the Three Talents or Expressions
in Three Unknown Quantities 657
Expressions in Four Unknown Quantities
679

Appendix: Tables of Measures Used by Zhu Shijie

in His Introduction to Mathematical Studies 694

c...
a.
Ill
Cl)

....

a....
--
0
::S-
CI)
"Tl
0
c:
....
c
.,_.
:::::,
:::::,
0
:E
:::::,
en

t _-LL
:..-. -"'-
- I _j__l_J_I_
-IL_
_L

' -- 1
'i! E 1 ..J
11 i -r-1 1,-
f
 Ill

2
-""*
u Jt
 CHARTS
Principles of the Ancient and Modern
Methods of Evolution ( Solution of
Equations) c
:::,
Chart of the Ladder Form of Raising Binomials to the Eighth Power -:,,,:'
:::,
0

:::,
Positive is called Zong, Negative is called Yi

--
Ding Shi Wei ( J,E First Position Zhi Zlri Shu 811 Dong Shu
{L ) (-) < I!IWtt > ( ;r- i;.IJ tt )
( Position forthe ( Final Result ) ( Number Not n-
Dividend or Absolute l
Chu Shi Fa ( ri;
( Divisor)
) Second Position
(="f.)
Ji11 T11i Yi
( ifi:ili- )
Movable l
Fang Wei Fa
( 1f {ff. t};. )
en =
z::a m
-=
cnP
C':t-<
( Forward or Backward ( Position for the enc:,
one [ digit )) Divisor)
C":,
Ping Fang Yu ( 3r-1,- z

...
Third Position Jin Tui Er Di Yi Lian
) ( w.-._::) ( ifi:il\t=.) (--) z:
( Comer of the Square J ( Forward or Backward ( l" Complement ) en
two [ digit ] )
Li Fa11g Yu ( if."Jj" Fourth Position Ji11 Tui San Di Er Li(/11
Nil ) < mirn > = )
'ltil\t -
( m: ( =al1 J
( Comer of the Cube ) ( Forward or Backward ( 2 Complement )
""

three ( digit ] )

San Cheng Yu ( .:.":*= Fifth Position Jin Tui Si Di San Lian

) ( ?',ffJi) ( ill: ill l!!l J ( ffi :': Ill! )
3
( Comer of the 4"' ( Forward or Backward ( 3'" Complement )
Power) four [ digit ])

Si Cheng Yu ( l!!l*= Sixth Position Jin Tui Wu Vi Si Lian

Rll J < m1,;) ( i!I: ill Ji ) < ml'Q i
( Comer of the 5"' ( Forward or Backward ( 4 Complement)
Power) five [ digit ) )
Wu Cheng Yu ( Ji* Seventh Position Jin Tui Liu Di Wu Lian
NII l <m-t> ( il!:iE!1' ) <m:n:J
( Comer of the 6' ( rorward or Backward ( 5"' Complement )
Power) six [ digit ])

Liu Cheng Yu ( * Eighth Position Jin Tui Qi Di Litt Lian

NII l ( /\.) ( iliil!! t ) < mil i
( Comer of the 7'h ( Forward or Backward ( 6" Complement )
Power) seven [ digit ])

Qi Cheng Yu ( -t * Ninth Position Jin Tui Ba Di Qi Lian

) (1t) ( ill'ill A l ( ?fi-tffii )
( Comer of the 8"' ( Forward or Backward ( T Complement)
Power) eight [ digit J)
 [ ll'*ttffiff ]
r*m.i1a4*m*AL
*M-*-4:ii8otOO*AmM
**ftl-.Tffe,*8+
;}l!:ij:;f1. tM..*-i:1.}f] iio

*AmX**M*a#-h.XA#oh
--.XR.iAoYfl**m*
;ll! at 1, I -;- ;i- :iti1J it tl! * o

-+*-*8t,kk:itffl*ffe*-AoM
*fflX tOOAk*-A. M..*-*8ttl!
0

mo,,-mm-**t*ffl#
1tm 1fJ ' *:f1. x3 + 4x2 + 3x - 64 = 0' y). 'f .n--it-;-.,F
O
1

J_ 1* -64
111 3
1111 4
4 I 1

kx' + + dx3 + cx2 + bx + a = 0

a
b

c
d

k
 In order to understand the diagram we ought to know simpler processes
used in solving equations or rather the evolution of expressions of different
degrees. The word equation was never used by the Chinese in ancient times
though they attained a high degree of efficiency in solving numerical equa
tions of higher degree as the following pages show.
They worked by means of a calculating board and suan chou ( calculating
rods). The bamboo calculating rods were red and black, the red indicating posi
tive numbers and the black negative. It was only when they began using paper
and ink for the solution of problems that the negative sign was created.
In equations in one unknown quantity the element tian ( Jc ) was always
used for the unknown, as x is used in modem times. Although the Chinese had
the assumed unknown tian ( jc ), it never appeared in the equation. Its coeffi
cients and the coefficients of its power were used as we now use them in the
synthetic method. For example, the equation .x3 + 4x2 + 3x - 64 = 0, written
in the Chinese notation, was

t
J_ ffl.l -64
111 3
meaning ..
1111 4
5
I l

The general form of an equation in one unknown letter

la" + + dx3 + cx2 + bx + a = 0
written in the Chinese notation was
a

k
 *
111 f" '"t Jl-+ i!.A i1ii Jl-,t--}f' ll., A..1fJ ,t, '"t J.t M j:i -tf f" o,
* #zj:i if"-};' Ao
-*i!."A.t,-i##*,ftho
f"-*"A.t, --*ift#-}j'o
..::.;,ti!_A. t [ JJ@.1\-JfJA.j:J ax2 +bx+ c = 0 Jo a##A;i
-f-}f', bh-}f', cj:J'* o
r-=-**i!.-At.-#.Ai!.-A*ft
o*fl-+*'A.,Jl-};',-Jl-+*i!.
'A.,Jl*o-#'* -=-h-}f'oJ-
-=-z## ''*" *m*g, =
-. -=-. o -h* **hr.o
*ttfttl#ffe*oStlt.A.41
-ftff.Jlj:J1Rj:JJl--.ll*ffl+
o*-t, i-}f'()#-.-(.)
f-*{i, -f--f-o
#-*#-ffeo.-ttftJlffeAJ-oft
I#o jt*-8.ffl*#o
6 .-}f'#-ffe.#-ffe.z#;*-}f'#ffe.
A#.z#o-t. -#
ii, -=-#{i, --$. -};'$-,0:., -tf"o
1L1M. mr*o
fIJ 1. M 2x = 4 A 4 - 2x =o

-2
4 ):(..
., 7', - 2 /'J
:J.. trh.. ,;t -'--
f1' 7' IA o

2 x ( -2) = -4
 This expression, always understood equal to zero, is called kaifang zhi
shi ( expression of evolution ) since it is an expression and not an equation.
In an expression of the first degree the coefficient of the unknown is
called the chu shifa ( m) and the absolute term the shi (.dividend).
In an expression of higher degree than the first the coefficient of the first
power of the unknown is called thefang ( 7f, side).
c
In an expression of the second degree ( modem form ax2 + bx + c = :,
-;;,,.
0), a is called yu( . comer )or pingfang yu( f']j, comer of a square),
:,

b fang, and c shi. :::,

en
In an expression of higher degree than the second the first term is called
yu, or yu modified by the degree of the expression, that is, cubic yu if it is a
cubic expression, or the fourth power of yu if it is an expression of the fourth
degree. The last is always called shi and the second from the lastfang; the
terms between the second from the last and the first are called lian ( _,.,
completnentary ), and are distinguished by their order; that is, first Lian, sec
ond lian, and so on. The first /ian is also called the upper Lian and the last lian
the lower lian.
The determination of number of digits in a root is called bufa ( tJ;-m,
method to step or method of procession). In procession they always took two
consecutive terms of opposite signs in order to obtain the positive root which
they considered the rational root although they knew negative roots could be
obtained. In procession when the fang moves forward ( to the left ) one digit
the quotient ( or root ) will contain two digits and so on.
Each move is called a step. Thus the number of digits. in the shang( ifff, 7
quotient or root ) always exceed the number of steps by one. The position of
the absolute term remains fixed. When one of other terms move all move. For
instance, if thefang ( 1f ) moves one step the Lian and the yu all move one
step and vice versa; if thefang moves two steps the other terms of the expres
sion move two steps and vice versa. In each step, the fang moves one digit
while the first Lian moves two, the second three, the third four, and so on.
These steps may be made more clear by the following examples.
Example 1. Solve 2x = 4 or 4 - 2x = 0
We have in the Chinese form
4
-2
4 is the shi and -2 is the chu shifa.
2 is the quotient or root of expression.
2x ( -2) - -4
 :IJr1 4 + ( -4 ) =0
. +. frMfdlf-ffe o
fft.12. fdlf- 2x = 40
A=t 40
-2
,{!.fdl{-i:J:;f.. tf, 7f ( -2) -Ji;f}#;-ffe ( -*ffe-,(i. )0 -i:(J1,ffj1J
40
-2 Fitit:
i!. -if. ;ffj" ;ff p1J ,(i. 't: al.] i -1.iJl 2
0 0

2 x ( -2) = -4
:IJr1 4 + ( -4) = 0 f!p-=--0.al.J1.t o
, 20Jlj;;f..al.J:.fll. o
{JIJ 3. 1#- .x2 = 64
A=t 64
0
-1
Jl - + i;ff 7f al.]-=- iki!. O

8 -t.mmffeo-+-=-al.J-ffet.
8-#J?1Jti. o ,l!.t. 8-#Jal.Jttft*Mal.Jtta, Amt
ffe Z, fJ.1.x..;ff -ti. o
m t .n. 7fJ , 1n 1t Jtl
8 :.fll.
64
-64
0
O j;
-8
-8
-I
 Adding 4 + ( -4) =0
Note that in this expression we do not need procession.
Example 2. Solve 2x = 40
or 40
-2
In procession the fang( -2 )has to move one step( one digit each step ).
We have
40 shi
-2 chu shifa
Which indicates that the quotient has two digits, the first of which is 2.
2 x ( -2) = -4
Adding 4 + ( -4 ) = 0 the value of the second digit.
Hence 20 is the root of the equation.
Example 3. Solve x2 = 64
or 64
0
-1
a quadratic expression with the fang absent.
lo this problem we use the yu to step the shi. In each step of a quadratic 9
expression the yu moves two digits. In this case the yu would exceed the shi,
therefore we do not need procession and the root has only one digit.
In the Chinese form we have
8 root
64 shi
-64
0
O fang
-8
-8
-1 yu
 Jfl JJtR -JfJ }(. , 1n -1:tf i,J
-1 0 64 ( 8, t{.
Ill
-8 -64

-8 0
J4. Wf -x3 + 392x2 + 3185x + 6000 = 0
A*
6000
3185
392
-1
,(i.i!,t-*-A.'f, 6000:i.t#tf*', 31857.7. 3927.7 -17.7 0
,(i. .wf-ii:lI tp , :Ji 7 -1:tf .i -,t- iEtl., 1fl ,Jl {ij fA -1 , *- ffe. 392 0 7.7
7---u. *#o
,ff) 1-1" .ftJ

6000

3185
10
392
-1

IMMiiff{r-J*oMM**-MMM*6
Ms. M-4x + 104 = o
A* 104
-4

2 .titr-J i-u
104
-8

24 r-+
 In modern form we have
-1 0 64 ( 8, root

-8 -64

-8 0
Example 4. Solve -x + 392x + 3185x + 6000 = 0
2
3

or
6000
3185
392
-1
In this expression 6000 is called the shi, 3185 the fang, 392 the Lian, and
-1 the yu. In procession we have to take the yu, -1, to step the lian, 392, in
order to get a positive root. It must make two steps in order to be even with the
first digit of the Lian.
We have
6000 shi
3185 fang
11
392 Lian
-l yu
Only the law of procession is shown. The solution is similar to that of
the preceding problem.
Example 5. Solve -4x + 104 = 0
or 104
-4
Process. 2 the first digit of the root
104 shi
-8

24 next shi
 24 ;%
-24
0
-4 i!
( ii. : 4 (.;) ,.; ;fj #1 - ffe )
tt.' f)f .,i {r!J .ttt.,l 260
fJIJ 6. Nf- x2 + 44x - 3116 = 0
A=t
-3116
44
1
i! ii y:J. :;t 44 iV -3116 , 1fl Jl..ttl it o ..(f. ;f} #1 i:.tA=l tf ,
12
( 1 ) ;fj #1 it at, :;t ( 44 ) {5t;fj#J-it, mi tlf .ftl
-3116
44 :;t
1

3 .ttt.
-3116 ;%
222
-896 r-+
44 :;t
 -4 chu shifa

6 the last digit of the root '::T

"TI
0
c:
24 shi
c
:::,
-24 ;,,:;
:::,
0
==:
0 :::,
(J)

-4 chu shifa.
( Note that -4 steps backward one step ) Hence the required root is 26.
-==
n !:::
Example 6. Solve x + 44x - 3116 = 0
2 UJ
UJ=
:1:11
::1:11

or UJ=
;:; <

n
::z:
-3116
:z:
44 UJ
1
By using the fang, 44, to step the shi, -3116, we find the root has two
digits. In stepping the fang ( 44 ) moves only one digit while the yu ( 1 )
13
moves two digits, thus giving
-3116 shi
44 fang
1 yu
Process.
3 root
-3116 shi
adding 3 times 74, 222
-896 next shi
adding 3 times l, 44 fang
 3
74
3
104 r-+7i
1
8 :ftl-<r-J J)l,15 - {i
-896
896
0
104 7i ( (c;J,15;fj-ffe)
8
112
1 ( fol Jfi ;f}- ffe ini {i )
i!i.ttlJt of 1-'A ;t .fJ , :ti<r-i -1.iaJl 3 o 11:J. 7i 441t-!t:, jJo (r-J 3 ,fg-,
:h 3. {Jl,pf JJ 740
r-. !!p, -3116
14 Jfi jJo 74 al.] 3 1g. , 222
1n1.lf.t1Jr-+. -896
74, JfijJo3'1g., 3. ,pf
74
3
104 :Ji r -,t-:;t
ft-PfT-+7ir-+.Af13r*#-J-o
,fJj--Jfj :h
-896
104 7i
1
 3
74
adding 3 times 1, 3
104,. nextfang
1 yu
c
:::,

::::,
8 last digit of root ::::,
(/)

-896 shi
Adding 896
0
104 fang ( one step backward )
adding 8 times 1, 8
112
I yu,( one step or two digits backward )
By inspection we see that the first figure of the root is 3. Beginning with
the fang, 44, and adding 3 times the yu, 3, we have 74.
Taking the next term, the shi, -3116
and adding 3 times 74, 222 15

we have the next shi, -896

Again taking 74 and adding 3 tin1es the yu, 3, we have
74
3
104 for the nextfang.
Having obtained the nextfang and next shi we proceed to obtain the
second figure of the root. The new form is
-896 shi
104 fang
1 yu
 =fl-JmAt. -Jf;8-ffe. fy8-ffeo
i!.i.#1.-, 1ni!1ifl-J T-,u.ft :k.i9Jl 80
vJ #a'-J ff-:M;, 104
.ta .1. {r-J 8 *' 8
1n 1-- J1J , 112
. -896
.Jf;. 1Jt1ll2fl-J8,fg-, 896
1fl 1.lf f1J , 0

JI=,, 38 Jlfo)f *-lr-Jfio

JIJ 7. Wf-.x3 - 37x2 + 37x - 36 = 0

A;t -36

37
-37
1
i,:,{ 1 -ffe. - 37 ' 1i1 JJ\!.1i ,{ft. 0 1- ,t. ii. ' f di. tffi
16
;fj -,tt , i1ii -t- -*--it A 59
-36

37
-37

*
1
i$J ;fj - ffe , o if.. :/to iW .:t. fl-J * fo)f ir- , i!.1k1.lf ;fj ,!ft. ,
.;fj{Jt, ;f};.{;i o
3 fit.
-36
-519
-5226 -r-+
 Notice that in the new form the fang and the yu have moved one step
backward, that is, one step to the right.
By inspection we know that the next figure of the root is about 8.
Beginning with the new fang, 104
Adding 8 times the yu, 8
We have, 112
Taking the shi, -896
and adding 8 times 112, 896
We have, 0
Hence 38 is the required root.
Example 7. Solve x3 - 37x2 + 37x - 36 = 0
m -36
37
-37
1
By using the yu, 1, to step the Lian, -37, we find the root has two digits.
In considering the Lian and the yu alone, the yu has to move one digit, hence in
the whole expression 17
-36
37
-37
l
the complementary digits, the Lian and the fang, each move one step, the shi
never moving. This makes the fang move one digit, the Lian two digits, and
the yu three digits, as shown in the solution.
3 root
-36 shi
-519
-5226 next shi

.3i
-21
37

-173
69
r-+::t

517
-37
3
-7
3
23
3
53 r-+ll
1
1-J 11-- .fiJ .fi tl-J -=-it , 1f1 ;tf'
6
-5226 *'-
18
5226
0
517 ::t
354
871
53 '*-
6
59
1
 37 fang
-21
-173
69
51 7 next fang
-37 Lian
3
-7
3
23
3
53 next Lian

1 yu
For obtaining the second digit of the root we have
6 root
-5226 shi
19
5226
0
517 fang
354
871
53 lion
6
59
1 yu

Hence 36 is the required root.

 i.i ;t * {It.] JJt -f -JfJ 1 *
.:lf :ffl fa] :
x3 - 37x2 + 37x - 36 == 0
1OOO - 3700 + 370 - 36 ( 3
3000 - 2100 - 5190
-700 1730 - 5226
3000 6900
2300 5170
3000
5300
1 + 53 + 517 - 5226 ( 6
6 354 5226
59 871 0
M:. ' 36 .,t ;t ;f.I {It.] - +;fit O

,&lJ 8. ${? x2 - 1Ox + 18. 24 = 0

Jl:I::. ;t ;f.I iif -JfJ jJ 100x2 - I OOOx + 1824 = 0
};.
,, 1824
.. j,
-- -1000
20 100
2, ;fit {It.] -ift.!Jt 4 ;fit {It.] 1f; .=.{ft.ft
1824 224
-1600 -224
224 0
-1000 -60 ;;5"
200 4
-800 -56
200 1
-600 T-+;t
100
l!l Jl'I::. ' 2.4 ;it Ji)f 4<. {It.] :ti O
The solution in modern form is the same as Horner' s method
X
3
- 37.x2 + 37.x - 36 = 0
l OOO - 3700 + 370 - 36 ( 3
3000 - 2100 - 5190
-700 - 1730 - 5226
3000 6900
2300 5170
3000
5300
1 + 53 + 517 - 5226 ( 6
6 354 5226
59 871 0
Hence 36 is one of the roots.
Example 8. Solve x2 - 10.x + 18.24 = 0
The equation may be written 100x2 - 1 OOOx + 1824 = 0
or
1824
-1000
100 21

2 I st digit of the root 4 2

nd
digit of the root
1824 shi 224 shi
-1600 -224
224 next shi 0
-1000 fang -60 fang
200 4
-800 -56
200 l yu
-600 next fang
100 yu
Hence 2.4 is .the required root.

181

3i fV9. NI- Sx - 310 = 0
ix,;t -310
II)
8
3 rt {r!J w; -ii4t
-310 -70
24 64

-70 r-+ -6
8 Flt.-* ( ) 8 Fit.- * ( F.t.-4t )
Ji!:., 38 A:!- 38 J j(J r)f >it {r!J lo
10. M- x2 - 265 = 0
ix.:!- -265
0

,
1

rt {r!J w; -ii4t 6 rt {r!J =-tt4t

... - }.
1
..
22 -265 -165

1 156
-165 r-+ -9

0 20

1 -6
1 26
1 -
2 r-+ 32
1 I

it{r!J 4t7'"Jl. 160

Example 9. Solve 8x - 310 = 0
or -3)0
8

3 1s, digit of the root 8 2nd digit of the root

-310 shi -70 shi
24 64
-70 next shi -6
--
en=
=- =
c-:, -

-=
8 chu shifa ( divisor) 8 chu shi fa ( divisor )
Hence 38 or 38 is the required root.
en ,::.
c-:, .,c
en c=
Example 10. Solve x2 265 = 0

...
- c-:,
:z:
or -265 :z:
en
0

l
1, 1 s, digit of the root 6, 2 nd digit of the root
-265 shi -165 shi 23

l 156
-165 next fang -9 remainder
0 fang 20 fang
1 6
1 26

1 6

2 next fang 32
1 yu 1 yu
The integral part of the root is 16.
 :h1a-{r,J4. m-9:h, 32:h*,
11-f:ho

-9
33
32 *
1
33
1
:ft{. 1 :Ira * 32 33 ft :h 71"'. {r,J 71"'-lt ' 9 :h 71"'-f- {r,J * * 0

Jl:t., t6J3 A t6fr:hi!t1itl.o

ld7'"'4l7'"'{r-J#**-7'"'o
{ff 11. $ff.135x2 + 4608x - 138240 = 0
A -138240
4608

24 135
1 ,ft{. {r,J -{ft. M:. 9 :ft{.{r,J =-{;r.M_
-138240 -78660

5958 76707
-78660 T--t- -1953 T--t-
4608 * 7308 *
135 1215
5958 8523
135 1215
7308 T-1'-* 9738 T-1'-*
135 l\1; 135
 To obtain the approximate fractional part we take the remainder -9 as
the shi, 32 as the fang, and I as the yu.
1 root
-9 shi
33 c
::,

::,
32 fang
::,
1 en

33
1 yu
The root 1 is used as the means through which we obtain the term 33 as
the denominator of fraction, of which 9 is the numerator.
Hence 16 53 or 16 ?1 is the approximate root.
The fractional part obtained by this method is called jie shang ming fen
( f!rffi-.frr)t ), or borrow root fractional method.
Example 11. Solve 135x2 + 4608x - 138240 = 0
or -138240
4608
25
135
1 l si digit of the root 9 2"d digit of the root
-138240 shi -78660 shi
5958 76707
-78660 next shi -1953 next shi
4608 fang 7308 fang
135 1215
5958 8523
135 1215
7308 nextfang 9738 nextfang
135 yu 135 yu

llll

]t
2
-195300
Ill 195300
0

97380 7f
270
97650
135
. 19.2)t-}r;fI.lr-JfLlo
*
,t.f J1J 1,-M: 1)-fr-J i!# 7i :.ft. ,f;r-ff i!. ,ef , A ,J, tll fr!J *- * o

{Jij 12. Nf- 12x2 + 49x - 1326 = 0

i&.::lt -1326
49
12
8 .tit. 8 ffl
-1326 12 x (-166), -1992

26 1992
1160
-166 -r-+ 0
49
'
'7f 241 7[

96 8

145 249
96 l

241 -r-+7[
12

8 128 A ::t- 8 j JlfiJr *fr-J tLlo

 2
-195300 shi
195300
0
97380 fang c
::,

::,
270
::,
97650 en

135 yu
Hence 19.2 is the root.
The fractional part obtained by this method is called the tui shang ming
fen ( il!"it1-fii:5t ), or decimal root method.
Example 12. Solve l 2x2 + 49x - 1326 = 0
or -1326
49
12
8 root 8 root '
-1326 shi 12 x ( -166 ), -1992 shi :;I
1-
\
'
-.;....

1160 1992 27
-166 next shi 0
49 fang 241 fang
96 8
145 249
96 I yu
241 next fang
12 yu
Hence 8 or 8 is the required root.
1
The fractional part obtained by this method is called the Lian zhi tong ti
( iittf'f* ) ( the branch connected with the trunk), or fractional method of
a quadratic expression.
 WIJ 13. M 24.x3 - 31.x2 - 55x - 12818 = o
A::t- -12818
Ill
-55
-31

24

8 rt 1 rt
-12818 242 x ( -2954 ), -1701504

9864 102918

-2954 r-+ -672324 r :- +

-55 -};" 24 x 4057, 97368 -};"

1288 555

1233 102918

2824 565
28 r-+-};" 108568 r-+

4057

-31 545 * '

. 1
192

161 555

192 1

353 565

192 1

545 r-+ 575 r-+A

24 1
 ()C...
a.
::,- Sl>
SU CD

Example 13. Solve 24x3 - 3lx2 - 55x - 12818 = 0 i

:::.
...
or -12818 -
0

-55

-31
24

8 root l root

-12818 shi 24? x ( -2954 ), -1701504 shi

9864 102918

-2954 next shi -672324 next shi

-55 Jang 24 x 4057, 97368 fang

1288 555

1233 102918

2824 565

108568 29
4057 next fang next fang

-31 Lian 545 Lian

192 l

161 555

192 1

353 565

192 1

545 next lian 575 next Lian

24 yu 1 yu
 .3i 6 :flt

-672324
Ill
672324
0
108568 7f

3486

112054
575
6
581
1

Jl:t s i: :i- 8 jJ Jilt{<. :ftlo

#7i*##z. ##;qz*o

30
 5
()C...

6 root i
-672324 shi
a....
0

672324
0
0 ....c:
c
:::::,
108568 fang .,,,_.
:::,
0

3486 :::::,
(/)

=en=
112054
575 Lian
6
==
n:::
-m
r.n
;; -<
581 ....
1 yu -....z:
n
:I:

Hence s J: or s 1 is the required root. ...

r.n
This method is also called the Lian zhi tong ti ( :J!ttnsli* )( the branch
connected with the trunk), or fractional method of a cubic expression.

31
32
 Gu Fa Qi Cheng Fang Tu
( Chart of the Ancient Method of Rais
ing Binomial to the Eighth Power )

Ben Ji
(Absolute)

In Evolution ( Solution Inside Terms

ShangShi F.u,,e-, Fa . Are All C ompI emen ts
of Equations ) Read (Dividend) (Divior)
Horizontall)'
Ping F[J/lg Ji Ping Fang l'li
(Square> (Corner of Square)
Li Fung l'ti
Li Fang Ji
(Corner of 0.1be)
(Cubc:)

S:m Che11g Ji San Cheng Yu

(41h Power) (Corner of 4th Power)

Si Cheng Ji SiChe11g Yu
(S1h Power) (Corner of Sth Power)

Wu Cheng Ji Wu Cheng Yu
(Corner of 6th Power)
33
(6!h Power)

Liu Cheng Yu
Liu Cheng Ji
(Corner of 7rh Power)
C71h Power)
Qi Cheng Yu

-
Qi Cheng Ji
- -
(Corner of 81h Power)
- -.. -
(8th Power)
o
,,., - i c

...e .,
,::,

e e
E ,=
c ::: E
u c:

'5 :::i s " ,,, - a.

c: .
::.c;.al
c::E -E :::-
"'-a.., ,.,E c:

5 c..
11)
.:_:: c..
.JS -E "' a ....i E
Q.

,. M
,!:

u viu i8
- ...., .....,-
;J
c:: ..J - - 0
r5l O
68 0

- 'C- -=,._
..JU
-g
:::)
N
-:::, ..c ..c ..c
V)


Im

Ill

.
. ,'}'
... ";':
34
[Notes]
Pascal's arithmetical triangle is given here as the ancient method of raising bino-

mials to the 8th power. The method of evolution also depends on this triangle. Each term

is named as given in the first diagram. ( C )

The Square of the Sum of the Four

Quantities of a Right Triangle

Huang Fang
Square of Gu Gou x Gu Gu x Xian
x Gu

H,wng Fang
Gou x Gu Square of Gu Gou x Xian
x Gou

Huang Fang Huang Fang Square of

Huang Fang x Xian 35
x Gu x Gou Huang Fang

Huang Fang
Gu x Xian Gou x Xian Square of Xian
x Xian
 R. **,'*filz. ntt
1

fltJz.$=-ttl.o 1J'I.=, JN:lm, 5Ei., jt1J=triJ, ff-Z, 1!1 1 :!: 1 o

2 0 2
2
*:;/9ll, 1 lit 1 0 ;is: 0 1 , it--t, it;JJ-S JL-t-
2
2 0 2

[]
36
}l. fl * >J fl!1 .it 9'( 99 A , YA aJ1 E1 !_ J.!. l:J if 1 Jj-. , .;t., { ia 3ft , ,
fl!/ .it*'*"' A. 99 :i!.i!.69 /_J.!.' i!llt1. t<r-J * lo] 0 -4:ffi.i.t iJ 3' }It
4, !t 5, -jf 2 JIA#JitloJ"! o :#-, -1--x + y + z + u, tJ 3ft!:J-'-, ,1l
TA.: x2 + y 2 + z2 + u2 + 2xy + 2xz + 2xu + 2yz + 2yu + 2zuo *--it 16
.J.t ' 196 -ffe ::t lllfl3 ' i!.J.f. ,t_ . 99
O 0
 Those who wish to study the four elements must first have a clear under
standing of the theory and also know the rules of multiplication and division,
the rules for ascending and descending, and the rules for stepping forward
and stepping backward. It is not an easy thing and requires hard thinking.
Here I let the base of a right triangle be 3, the Jeg 4, the hypotenuse 5, and the
huang fang ( yellow square ) 2. The sum of these for elements is put in the
form
1
1 :X 1
1
whose square is equal to

2 0 2

0
2
* 2
0 1
37
2 0 2

Having 16 sections which contain 196 bu as shown in this figure.

 .' -
,
....,_. L1u'-'
t
O I .
j
-, L.
_ -.
' .J
' - :rt......:.... .wyi-
,,,,..,.- - ..1ff :.- ! R'+.t :: -::!1: I+ i-' .:: _
'
_J_ J_ ' .J..
i
I
I -
--,

r r-r- _ ...,, :+_

u
_,.
it 1
r-
. I )
. r-r-. .. ,-
I

......--1 ; .l.:'":nJ :::J ,i11 : I ,-,- --if'--

. - c
1-j"-r- .,,.. .
- it-,-.
"7""""
I ( ,-l-c
H-'-11 . . -t---............ -:au

! ..l ,:0: I r

..
, .. I I I t
I ,... J ,.... II I

,.
.
-

Ri
r-'

.-;
I -;- L t --!- '. ..
,_.._j

-
L.._i_ '

-
I ---: . 'I l. I .

.. :- if a'.e.G"tl.J. i:,._.,,
'
ii. .
i .il
,-. I 1tr .J ' ... '
' I .l.: .. i I I I I I
- . . i"1"" I L "i . '' I
tt II I I

,
' ! _::::r: I- ' - . I II

l
: , I
. ttf .... L ' ;:r
,--:J-t+ ___ ._t_ _i._., I
-;;,.W \ t-L ,1.
-1.. '-

--.:--
I -
-F .:-t! cct
I L f " j.. 1 __ I I.I. .
i#l'--' . ... r-

,.
I I .:
r : . -

r
.... - i-...
.
'
'
'1'1..:- l..Lw.=L --
., -;-;-f. + ...w...l
r

1
-:-!-- .. .l. ;
.. I !"" -
,-,-
- r- I 1 I I
I . '
I

'"'- !I O I I .,-- - ....- ... I

....
I .. L_:
L . .... --, -t:f:j
I

-- I ....
,_

:::,...-.t
'LL
- --
"'

,......
.I ij .
.......... ...
:C !-:': mi '.1
' '

I
.

,.
. - i' . ,......,..
:
r--

., !'++ - ,.._ i 'J...d..Lq

.J.

, I rt' 1--1"- ... t

....
1-'
I
I J;,_ '-
'", .. ,J. t-.. _'._! I -:' 1-,+1 ! ; ,._ I I I II ,----I 1.I
. 1- ,- I - :, ..r, I

[xl
Rtt#. ilino-ffi-,n-ffio11
38 i-J, Jeknz1J/N., is-:H!if.5. Ji. f&ZJiJr1::-tl1. o 4-;;:n#Jif-[ 1
',

tt,,f&.ffi#J, o #Z, ffl+=o .

ffl-TIA+. =+Em& o
[ jiff l
[I] 1il1l: 1:J!:.i!NZ.tila + b, i.J 1 5Za + c. HQ:!:.iZ,fllb + c, iJt'-;1:]
illtfn.Z.;fil ( a + b) + c. iJt '11:JJNz;f,J (b- a) + Co ( !fS )

[ if l
JM. *00 OOA&kl, 00%l3:
1:ik I,%] k 4o 'f- 00 %] Jl-Jf-1t h ZJ , #- %] Jl-Jf-tf h Jlf, .i!-t4,ts
*J. MA-Ah# **s. JMMP**o m
Ak: ZJM, ZJ. M- . o #-fl
ifij ho , 1St- f1J 42 -ffe -1t #- $.. 0 -* , 1-lt f1J 17 64 -ffe .i J.J 25 Ji c
O O
 The Square of the Five He
Square of ( Xian + He ) ( Xian + He) x ( Xian+He) x ( Xian +He) x ( Xian + He) x
( Gu + Xian) ( Gou + Xian) (Gou+ Gu) ( Xian + Jiao )

( Xian + He) x Square of ( Gu + Xian) x ( Gu + Xian) x ( Gu + Xian) x

c
:::,
(Gu+ Xian) ( Gu + Xia11) ( Gou + Xian) (Gou + Gu) ( Xian + Jiao ) 7'
:::,

:::,
( Xian +He) x ( Gou ( Gou + Xian ) x en
( Gu + Xia11) x Square of + Xian) x

( Gou + Xian) ( Gou + Xian) ( Gou + Xian) ( Gou + Gu) ( Xian + Jiao )

( Xian + He) x ( G11 + Xian ) x ( Gou + Xian l x Square of ( Gou + Gu) x

( Gou + Gu ) (Gou + Gu) (Gou + Gu) ( Gou + Gu) ( Xia11 + Jiao )

( Xian + He ) x ( Gu + Xia11 ) x ( Gou + Xian ) x (Gou+ Gu) x Square of

( Xian + Jiao ) ( Xian + Jiao ) ( Xian + Jiao) ( Xian + Jiao ) ( Xian + Jiao )

The base and the leg of a right triangle are derived from a circle and a
square. By taking I for the diameter of a circle the circumference is then 3,
and by taking 1 for the diameter of a square ( a side of a square ) the perim-
eter is 4. Putting the circumference as the base and the perimeter as the Jeg of 39

a right triangle the hypotenuse of the triangle thus formed is 5. The five he
( sums ) of a right triangle are the sums of the base and the leg, the base and
the hypotenuse, the leg and the hypotenuse, the hypotenuse and the he ( the
sum of the base and the leg ), and the hypotenuse and the jiao ( the difference
between the leg and the base ) l 1 1 ; adding these five he we have 42 bu, the
square of which equals 1764 bu. There are 25 sections as shown in the figure.

[ Notes J
[ 1 ] The five he is as follows: a + b, a + c, b + c,( a + b ) + c, and ( b - a ) +
c. ( G)
 i .i..

...;_!- - T -f

i1
-4-
.1. --
I#

--i-

1f .....lt__

..,.,

I
I I.. - .. I
--f:; -
.1t'

l
I-
, "'i'IN
. ..- _.,,. 1.l.

_
I

i _
I

,_ i_
I --l- 111
;iJ I
\ I .
-- RR

''""-'
!

i
"' h.
i!i. ..:..tt:ic-J

I
I ,r
lii! tt.f
j{-i(
"'I.
.I '

( D?.x l
--m,iom.uooo-.---
40 - o ;ruf!ij_lifiJ, lXYf_li$x ,' 1tm o ]i$x [ J ;f, 1gJN:, 1g I

.JN:-. - -o #Z, ffl-+o ,ffl-o

jg.=+1iJ?sl:o OOiAZo

[ -]
[I] liRP.li: 1;J IN:Zb - a, 1;J tz.c - a, INtzc - b,
1:.JJ&&Z& c - ( b - a), 1.J!NfUZ.& ( a + b) - Co ( n)

[]
t.tla,. tlROOoI
*F'f.j!-*J, ;t--1tt'.J!*tJt.o 5tliJJ r .n.;ft,, .;j-tJ.n.
. *4To .n.: -- -----'
-' ;ft,oh. llOo*Jt.-.lOOffeo
4t- ;g 25 .fl o 00 *J, JM T 1fl o
 The Square of the Five ]iao
Square of ( Xian - jiao ) ( Xian - Jiao) x ( Xian - Jiao ) x ( Xian - Jiao ) x ( Xian - Jiao ) x

( He - Xian ) ( Xiao - Gou) ( Xian - Gu) ( Gu - Gou)

( Xian - Jiao ) x Square of l Xian - Gou) x ( Xian - Gu ) x ( G11 - Gou) x

c
( He - Xian) ( He - Xian) ( He - Xian) ( He - Xian) ( He - Xian) .,,,..
::,

i
( Xian - Jiao ) x ( Xian - Gou ) x Square of ( Xia11 - Gu) x ( Gu - Gou) x
"'
( Xia11 - Gou ) ( He - Xian) ( Xian - Gou) ( Xian - Gou ) ( Xian - Gou)

( Xian - Jiao ) x ( Xian - Gu) x ( Xia11 - Gu) x Square of ( Gu - Gou) x

( Xian - Gu ) ( He - Xian) ( Xian - Gou ) ( Xian - Gu) ( Xian - Gu)

( Xian - Jiao ) x ( Gu - Gou) x ( Gu - Gou) x ( Gu - Gou) x Square of

( Gu - Gou) ( He - Xian l { Xian - Gou ) ( Xian - Gu ) ( Gu - Gou)

The science of form is certainly mysterious but the secret in solving a

problem is to have an adequate figure. Therefore the use of figures is very
important and mysterious also. In the former diagram the square of the five
he was shown. In this is shown the square of the five jiao. The five jiao ( 1 l 41

are the differences between the leg and the base, the hypotenuse and the leg,
the hypotenuse and the base, the he ( the sum of the leg and the base ) and
the hypotenuse, the hypotenuse and the jiao ( the difference between the
leg and the base ). Adding the five jiao we have 10 bu, the square of which
equals 100 bu. There are 25 sections as shown in the figure.

[ Notes l
[ 1 ] The five jiao is five differences. It includes b - a, c - a, c - b, c - ( b -

a ), ( a + b ) - c. ( G )
 VJ1 .f.'"1 .t 00
-1:(jijc

[ ffi)t]
jtjf [JJ *1I_fRff=+im o _R?tJLtp- [l], fa]: JLfriJ?
El
s::I . =,JJ=-
-o

Oj( -3888
0 0

-81 -81
-9 -9
1 1

42 [ i!ff]
c 1 J xi:rm "1;J" "JN:", oo.1-J1Iffl-ffl. ffilffffft;j;Jt.g, ii!ln
u=i:p"#, ffii:po()
[ 2] JltflP: [ ( a + b) - c] (ah) = 24 0 b +c = 9 o ( -15 )

[3JR1;J*-.*.fflfflffl*Zo+
2
= c2 f a2 = ( c + b ) ( c - b ) = 9 (c - b ), c - b = ; , ffii a + b - c = a -
a2 It
( c - b) = a - 9' J:!)t 9a - a = 9 ( a
2
+ b - c )O Jl.. 2b = 9 -
a
9 '
1
r:1! 8la -
a3 = l8ab u lfp_f!.{, (9a - a2 )(8la - a3 ) = 9 (a+ b - c)( I8ab) = I62ab (a+
b - c )o @:ijljj;J* j;J!IiiJf$1fs::,:. ro ( n)
[ 4] I62ab ( a + b - c) = 162 x 24 == 38880 :tfflllfflffll, -I} a' - 9a4 -

8la3 + 729a2 - 3888 = Oo( )


5"
INTRODUCTORY PROBLEMS [g.
c::
-

Yi Qi Hun Yuan ( The Unitary Nebula oa

Sl

or One Unknown Quantity ) a-

"'Oa
o- ::r
-CD

Q)3
en 0'TI
c:

Problem . The huang fang l 1 J multiplied by the zhi ji is equal to 24 bu; The

sum of the gu and the xian is 9 bu l 2 l. Find the gou.

Ans. 3 bu.
Process. Let the element tian ( 7:: ) be the gou. From the statement we
==
c, !::
-m
-en=
enJ:11
:::.:,
have the expression C,-<
-
O tai
-...
c,
0

729 [ 3 J
...
en

-81

-9

I 43
for 162 times the huang fang, which equals 162 x 24. By cancellation we

have

-3888

729

-81

-9

1
an expression of the fifth degree whose root, 3 bur 4 3, is the required gou. l 5 J
 ab ( a + b - c ) = 24 (1)

b + c= 9 (2 )

e %1 a 2
+ b2 - c2 = 0 (3)

1
( 3) A!;,( C 2) A, li = c - b ( 4)

9a - a2 = 9 (a +b - c) ( 5)

< 2 ) A < 4 ) AffiAt 2b = 9 - 9 al

18b = 81 - a 2 (6)

44 ( 7)

Jfl < s) .it*!;,( < 1) A, l!J < 8la - a2 ) C 9a - a2 > = 162ab < a + b - c)
729a2 - 8la3 - 9a4 + a5 = l62ab ( a + b - c) ( 8)

EB ( I) A , i l 62ab ( a + b - c) = 3888

t51ffii, ( 8) :i:t1t:1-J a5 - 9a4 - 8la3 + 729a 2 - 3888 =0

 SL
- I

[Notes] [:!!:
c:
[ l ] When the words gou and gu are used, the figure is understood to be a right
oa
Sl. ::;
.,,a
triangle. Therefore, the words "in a right triangle" are, as a rule, omitted in the problem. a-
_
c,- co
:,
(I) .,,
( c) 3o
(/) c:

[ 2] That is, [ (a + b) - c) (ab ) = 24, b+ c = 9. (G)

[ 3] Let the element tian be the gou. By getting two polynomial expressions which
are equivalence to extract and get the result. From a2+ b 2 = c2 have a2 = (c+ b ) ( c -
= 9 ( - ), - = a z
, and a+ b - c = a - ( c - b ) = a - a . therefore 9a
z
b) c b c b
9 9
a
- a 2 = 9 ( a + b - c).And 2b = 9 -
9 , so 8Ja - a3 = 18ab. Clearly, (9a - a2 ).
(81a - a 3 ) = 9 ( a+ b - c ) ( l 8ab ) = l62ab ( a + b - c ). The original text used
the calculating-rods numerals.We change them into the Arabic numerals. (G)
[ 4 j 16,2ab ( a + b - c) = 162 x 24 = 3888."Extracting both two have a5 - 9a 4
- 8la3 + 729a2 - 3888 = 0. (G)
[ 5 ] The method used in deriving this equation, or expression of evolution, is not
given by Zhu Shijie. It is the same , however, as the modem method excepting that it is
expressed in Chinese symbols and figures. For illustration:
Given ab ( a + b - c) = 24 (1 )
45
b+c=9 (2 )
a2+ b2 - c2 = 0, a known law, (3 )
Find a.
a2 = c - b (4)
Dividing (3 ) by ( 2 ), -
9
Subtraction a from each member of (4 ) and clearing of fractions,
9a - a2 = 9 (a + b - c ) (5)
al
Subtraction (4 ) from ( 2 ), 2b = 9 -
9
or l8b = 81 - a2 (6)
Multiplying (6) bya, l8ab = 81a - a3 (7)
Multiplying (7) by (5 ), (8 la - a2) ( 9a - a2 ) - I 62ab ( a + b - c )
or 729a2 - 8la 3 - 9a4 + a5 = 162ab (a+ b - c) ( 8 )
 Im

3 m

Im
3 x 1296.
-3888

3888

0 1f
3 x 432, 1296

1296

729 ffi-nf
3 x ( -99 ), -297

432

-81 m=
3 x ( -6 ), -18

-99
46
-9 m-:
3 x 1, 3

-6

7j( 3-Jlj

3) 1 -9 -81 +729 + -3888

3 -18 -297 +1296 +3888

-6 -99 +432 +1296 0

 From ( l ), l 62ab ( a + b - c ) = 3888
Therefore ( 8) becomes, a s - 9a4 - 81a3 + 729a2 - 3888 = 0
The first member of equation ( 8 ) and the final equation are given by Zhu Shijie, but
the method of solving is omitted since it was well known to the people at that time. It is

essentially Horner' s Method as shown in example 7. This particular solution is as follows:

3 root

-3888 shi

3 x 1296, 3888

0 fang

3 x 432, 1296
1296

729 1" lian

3 x ( -99 ), -297

432

-81 2nd /ian

47
3 x ( -6 ), -18
-99

-9 3ro /ian

3 x I, 3

-6
1 yu

Arranged in the horizonal form

3) I -9 -81 +729 + -3888

3 -18 -297 +1296 +3888

-6 -99 +432 +1296 0

 [)
**AMffeo Rl.iz9ffeo M: $?

=-x. ***Mo 162+***A:

x5 - 9x4 - 81x3 + 729x2 ; vJ 162**-ff.J. l.iz:t. 1-f.f1JJt*A=
x5 - 9x4 - 8lx3 + 729x2 - 3888 = 0 0 Jt_E..;k_*, 1l.ftl *J 3ffeo -ffJi)f

48
 "By cancellation" Zhu Shijie means obtaining two quantities of the same value and

subtracting the one from the other. The value of the remainder which is called the kaifang

zhi shi ( ff:if ZA ), or the expression of evolution, is 0. ( C)

c
::,
::,,;
::,
i
::,
(/)

- ==
n !!::::
:s:a
en
.,,
en :s:a
n
- -<
en
...
c::,

-...
n
:ii:

...
:z:
en

49
 = [ Ji)t]
I fflt
[

1 u1:.10 rtzr1:.111a* 1:J*o
[ 2
l

z

loJ: JJVL{iiJ? .
Ill

-2 0 JS: 2 0 JS:

0 2 0 0 0 0
0 0 I 0 0 I
Oj( -8

4 2 1
50
1

[ -]
[1] t-1Iffl-ifl%, '1 a, JN:'1 b, '1 Co c - ( b - a) '1 ( f!P
1:;IJN:z )o < )
[2J Jltf!P: 1r - [ c - ( b - a)] :;;: abo a2 + [ c + ( b - a)] :;;: aco ( $l5 )

[3]1i::}(7t-j;JJN:b, ic.'1x; tiJ&7G-'1c +a, ic.'1yo Jltf!P: A

x3 + 2x2y + 2xy - 2y2 - xy2 = O o ( $l5 )
 Liang Yi Hua Yuan ( The Mystery of
the Two Natures or Two Unknown
Quantities )
c
Problem . The difference between the square of the gu and the xian-jiao :::,
';11,"

jiao l I l is equal to the product of the gu by the gou; the sum of the square of :::,
rn
the gou and the xian jiao he is equal to the product of the gou by the xian.l 2 l
Find the gu.
Ans. 4 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the gu, and the element di the sum of the
gou and the xian. From the statement we have
-2 0 p 2 0 p
-1 2 0 -1 2 0
0 2 0 r 3 l, and 0 0 0 [ 4]
0 0 1 0 0 1
By elimination, using the hu yin tong fen method ( :!f.:im?t) [ method
of combination ] we have 51

p p
8 and 0 ( 5]
4 2
1
from the two interior and the two exterior columns respectively.
By cancellation of these columns we have
-8
-2 ( 6)
I
a quadratic expression whose root, 4 bu, is the required gu. [7 J
 [ 4] Jltl!P: -zrx3 + 2xy - xy2 + 2y2 = Oo ( )
[ 5] j:\ j.\ffl7, Ey, 1fx2 - 2y = Oo *x. 1fx3 - 2xy = O o
Affi. E-y, if 2x2 + 4x - 2y - xy = O o Jltl!P=1T2x2 +4x, Ioc4x2 + 8x0 7',
=fr@1-J- 2y-xyo x2 - 2y = oftA. 1-l:'..x2 + x3, 2x 2 + x3, .Jltf!P7'=-
fro ()

[ 6] P39=t=Jfflifli. x3 - 2x2 - Bx= O o :M:Fo{tnltJfnj.\x2 - 2x - 8 = Oo

($15)

[ 7] -1,1,!lr,Jl!.4'Jtj.\ll""F:
b1 - [ c - ( b - a)] = ab (A)

a2 + ( c + b -a ) = ac (]3)

a2 + b2 - c2 = 0 (c)

4-x = b (1)
lky=a+c ( 2)
}A ( 2) .i:\:ifl-* ( 1) A, 1f y -x = c-b+a ( 3)

}A ( 1) :i':tifl-E ( 3) A, 14 x2 - y + x = b2 c -b+ a) (4)

52
- (

(4) j.\!* ( 1 ) j.\, 13 x - : + I =a (5)

)}.. (2) 5:tifl-E ( 5) j.\, y - x + 1'._
x
-1=c ( 6)

Jfi ( 1) j.\, (5) 5:t& (6) j.\Jt (C) j.\iflb, alkclr,Jffi, 1-ll
x2 + (x-1'..+1) 2 -(y -x+l'.. -1) 2 =0 (7)
x x
2y2
1tflif' 1,x2 + 2y + 2xy -
x
- Y2 = 0

-E#-Bt. 14 x3 + 2xy + 2x 2y - 2y2 -xy2 = 0 ( 8)

[ *1.ttili T:nW ( 8)]

(I) it-f-n, ( c) AifllJ b2 . 1Jx2 = b2 = c2 - a2 ( 9)
(9 > J:tl* C 2 ) :a:. 1t 1 = c - a ( 10)

< 2) it:JJll < 10) A, W- y + ; = 2c ( 11 )

[Notes]

[ 1 J In a right triangle whose base ( gou ) is a, leg ( gu ) b, and hypotenuse ( xian )

c, c - ( b - a ) is called the xian-jiao-jiao ( hypotenuse-difference-difference, that is , the

difference between the hypotenuse and the difference between the leg and the base). ( C)

[ 2] That is, b2 - [c - ( b - a)] = ab, a2 + [ c + ( b - a ) ] = ac. ( G)

[ 3 ] Let the element tian be the gu b expressed by x; let the element di be c + a,

expressed by y.That is thejin shi: .x3 + 2x2y + 2xy - 2y2 - xy2 = 0. ( G)

[ 4 ] That is the yun shi: x3 + 2xy - xy2 + 2y2 = 0. ( G)

[ 5 ] Eliminating y from the expressions of Jin and Yun, Zhu Shijie had x2 - 2y =

0. Multiplying the expression by x, then he had x 3 - 2xy = 0. Subtracting it from the jin

shi, then by eliminating y, he had 2x2 + 4x - 2y - xy = 0. That is, two interior col-

umns are 2x2 + 4x or 4x2 + 8x, and two exterior columns are -2y - xy. Takingx2 - 2y

= 0 into -2y - xy, he hadx2 + x3 or 2x2 + .x3, which is the exterior columns. ( G )

[ 6 ] By eli,ninating the two interior and the two exterior columns, Zhu Shijie had
x3 - 2x2 - 8x = 0 and by cancellation he hadx2 - 2x - 8 = 0. ( G)

[ 7 J The solution in modem form is as follows:

53
Given b2 - [ c - ( b - a ) ] = ab (A)

a2 + ( c + b - a) = ac ( B)

a2 + b2 - c2 = 0 ( c)

Find b.

Letx = b ( 1 )
And y = a + c ( 2)
Subtracting ( 1 ) from ( 2 ), y - x = c - b + a ( 3)

Subtracting ( 3) from the square of ( l ), x2 - y + x = b2 - ( c - b + a) (4)

Dividing ( 4) by ( 1 ), x - !... + 1 = a ( 5)

Subtracting ( 5) from ( 2 ), y - x + : - l = c (6)


R9
1t
.3i
!A
JA < 2) 3:\1:P-* < 10) it. {9- y - 1= 2a ( 12)
ffl ( 12) it I;). ( 11 ) it , f y2 - : = 4ac ( 13)
( l ) 1m ( 2) 3:\ ,. ( 12) :it. 1i x + 1= b -a +c ( 14)

< 12) ittf(J5f-1JJm_t 4 ffitf(J < 14 ) it, 1ft

4
y2 + 4x - 2x2 + : + : = 4 [ a2 + ( c + b - a ) ] ( 15)

:j1J- ( B ) AftA:rt ( 13) CJ ( 15 ), mJ.!l!m, 14

4x -
4x2 + 2x4 =
2x2 + y 0
y2
ijlt 2y2 - xy2 + 2xy + x3 = 0 ( 16)

[ *tlt!lJ'ili 7 < 16) it J

JA C 16) 5:ti:r* ( 8) it, -f.tf:jJ&, 112y - x2 = o ( 17)

< 8) :rt1Jo_t < 11) it, 1-tfa!

2y + xy = 4x + 2x2 ( 18)

x2-2x-8=0 ( 19)

[ 11.W ( 19) :.li!:*tttili!'t9%it J

54
iffl 4 JiJr*tf(JJN:o
fflil*tttffrffl (J(J1J7! , lf-i'* fl(J(J:1J.fi tf(Jiij-J'.JH1':Jw.11 !:J B':J III
JiJr?Fo

......... D c p
......... H F A
......... I G B
. . ...
.... ..

....
....
.. ...
_ti:p P11tffl*?F:i: o pf*,00(,e:, ijlt&f.ii.o [zsJt#.Jlj PAB"""1!1: x,
x2, x3, ... , x"J'.!tf(J. llJ[;J.fFx o A:&1Fxa':J. B:&JFx2tf(Jfl:.
Substituting the values of b, a, and c, given in (1), (5 ) and ( 6), in ( C), we have

x2+ (x- Z
x + 1)
2- (y-x+Z-1
x
-0
) 2- (7)
2 ?

Simplifying, x + 2y + 2xy- :- - y2 = 0
2

Clearing of fractions. x3 + 2xy + 2x2y - 2y 2 - xy2 = O (8 )

[ Equation ( 8 ) is given by Zhu Shijie]

Squaring ( 1 ) and substituting in (C ), x2 = b2 = c2 - a2 (9)

Dividing (9 ) by (2), ; = c - a ( 10)

Adding ( 2 ) and ( l O ), y + ; = 2c ( 11 )

Subtracting ( 10) from ( 2 ), y- ; = 2a ( 12)

Multiplying ( 11 ) by ( 12), y2 - = 4ac ( 13 )

Adding ( 1 ) and (2) and subtracting ( 12). x + ; = b - a + c (14)

The square of (12) plus 4 times (14 ).

4
y2 + 4x- 2x 2 + ; + ;i = 4 [ a 2 + ( c + b-a )] ( 15 )

Substituting values of (13 ) and (15 ) in ( B ) we have

4 2 2x4
4x - 2x2 + __ + , = 0
y T 55
or 2y2 - xy2 + 2xy + x3 = 0 ( 16)

[ Equation ( 16 ) is also gi'ven by Zhu Shijie ]

Subtracting ( 8 ) from ( 16 ). and simplifying, 2y - x2 =0 ( 17)

Adding ( 8 ) and (17), and simplifying,

2y + xy = 4x + 2r ( 18)

Multiplying ( 18 ) by ( 17 ), and simplifying,

x2-2x-8=0 ( 19)

[ Equation (19 ) is the form given by Zhu Shijie ]

The positive root 4 is the required gu.

The following diagram shows the position of each term of an equation containing
 1-ltPCDriJVJtltf#Fz::fg Yo y, y2, y3 , , y"B'9tttltT..to
cay8'9tt. Day2tt. o

jlj CFG riJitf#Fz::fgy jlj. y Bttfi'.lr;Jt..t; jlj DHIriJtJtf*::Jgy2 71j'

Y2 ftfil-=f ;Jt;J.:o

ffl'.j.lAFH riJZ.19 xf:I, x fi{i'.lr;Jt.l:; ffit-fl:BGI iffZ.19 x2 f:l,

x2 *'ttfilr;M;.l:o

JAJ!.11:f.JE>l, fflgt, F ;li/:: xy Jffi-*'tt, G ::lg x2y J_ITTB'9*'tt, H '1 xy2

JJ!B'9*'tt, 0

n-3:t
x3 + 2xy + 2x2y - 2y2 - xy2

-2 0 P

-1 2 0

2 0
56
l

fflx-1'--rO-j.\-.-j.\8'9m%j.\---;
mx2 --t-ro8'9a3:t8'9M.a3:t8'9%j.\(ii]r#M1-l.o
3:tl'r!lffi-ITTMffiFiij, t!P.rOaJfl y .VJ-1'-.-=f O 8'9a3:tB"JBtf, us3:tB':J
w.mt:(ii]ti:#1-111; Jfly2 vi--t--=r o usj":\B"Jatf,, 3:tB"Jf*%3:t

M. ffl. -3:t8'9%3:t(ii]fflaM#B'9&n(ii]#o
.-3:t8'9m%3:triJ(ii]..t#.riJ(ii]T#.riJ(ii]ft#.
riJ(ii]#. -AB"lffio aHnn. P riJtlto
roJI! = fffnff
two unknown quantities arranged according to the method used by Zhu Shijie.

......... D c p
......... H F A
......... I G B
. . .
... .... .
... ... ...
c
:::::,

. . .
;,,:;
:::::,

:::::,
In this discussion P is used for the Chinese characterj;: ( tai ). P is called the origin (/)

or the pole. The column PAB ... may be called the x-axis since it contains the coefficient of

x, x 2, x3, ... , r1
-=
enen =
!!::
A denoting the coefficient of x, B of x2, and so on.

The row PCD...may be called the y-axis where the coefficients of y, y2, y 3,.. , y" are
=
:r:a, :r:a,

en=
;:; -<

...z:...
placed, C denoting the coefficient of y, D of y2, and so on.
::z:
The column CFG...may be called they column where the coefficients of y are placed;
en
the column DH/...the y2 column where the coefficients of y2 are placed.

Row AFH...may be called the x row, where the coefficients of x are placed; BG/...

the x2 row where the coefficients of x2 are placed.

From these definitions we readily see that Fis the coefficient of xy, G of x2y, Hof
57
xy 1 , and so on.

Writing the expression

x3 + 2xy + 2x 2y - 2y2 - xy

in Chinese form we have

-2 0 P
-1 2 0
2 0
1

When an expression whose value equals zero is multiplied by x, the whole form of

the expression is moved one row downward; when multiplied by x2 two rows downward,

and so on. The value of the expression remains the same, that is, equal to zero. When an

Im

]&
2x2 + 2x - 2y - xy + x3 =0 ( l )
y
2x-x2+-+-=x2 x4 0
(2)
y y2
Jt111::tf
-2 P O P O O
-I 2 0 2 0 0
0 2 0 ( I ) -1 2 0 ( 2)
0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 I

-2 0 P 2 0 P
-I 2 0 -I 2 0

0 2 0 ( l ) 0 0 0 ( 2)
0 0 1 0 0 I

xm. m.*Affi.mffiffiro. P
!:Jit' o JA ( l ) i:p ( 2) :i:\, 1.Jt
-4 0 -2 0
58
0 0 0 0
0 2 O I (3)

2 0

l -4 (4)

0 -2

#-:f:ltvCB (3) <4)

2 0 P -2 0 (5)

1 -4 0 0

0 -2 0 I
expression whose value equals zero is multiplied by y the whole form of the expression is

moved one column to the left; when multiplied by y2 two columns to the left., and so on.

In division the form of the expression moves of course in the opposite direction,

from which it moves in multiplication.

c
:::,
Since the whole form of the expression may be moved upward as well as downward,
:::,

to the left as well as to the right, without changing its value, P may be omitted in the :::,
(/)

process of evolution.

Problem. Solve the equations,

x3
2x2 + 2x - 2y - xy + - = 0 ( I )

x2
y K'
2x -x,- +-+-, = 0 (2)
y-
We have
-2 p 0 p 0 0

-1 2 0 2 0 0
0 2 0 ( I ) -1 2 0 ( 2)
0 0 0

0 0 I 0 0
59
Clearing of fractions,
-2 0 p 2 0 p
-1 2 0 -1 2 0
0 2 0 ( l) 0 0 0 (2)

0 0 I 0 0

Since multiplication or division does not change the value of the expression, which
always equals zero, P may be omitted.
Subtracting ( 2 ) from ( I ),
-4 0 -2 0
0 0 0 0

0 2 or 0 1 (3 )
 #tl:Jit:Bf13!U >'!Ul'.19
8 p 0 (6)

ffirij, ,
8

2
-1
)!!:.,( 4 JJ,1'&19={X:it o
*a:: ( 5) A Si ( 6) AIP. P tclt-1jl-$:rm--tl..t, '1 TtEf!rJ 9
JU B9*fRH-t, f.i'L tt lfHifftim ifflJE o
Ti:rWA9ttWAaff,ffi**fftl9Z,*-B9ffla
Hm, l)J x2 - 7x+s * x3+2x2+x - 1

1 +2+ 1 - 1
1 - 7 + 5

1+2+ 1- 1
60
-7 - 14 - 7+ 7
5+10+ 5 - 5
1 - 5 - 8 + 2 + 12 - 5
i:rJrtrr!-'1
-5 -5 5 -1
12 7 +5 -7 1
2 -1 -7+10 1 2
-8 l -14 +5 1
-5 2 -7
I 1

( )
 Making expressions ( 3 ) and ( 1 ) even at the bottom and at the right, and sub-

tracting ( 3 ) from ( 1 ),

2 0

1 -4 (4) c
::,
7'
0 -2 ::,

::,
Placing ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) side by side, Cl)

2 0 p -2 0 (5)

I -4 0 0

0 -2 0 1

Placing the products of the interior and exterior columns side by side,

8 p 0 (6)

4 2

0 1

Cancelling, we have

8 61

-I

a quadratic expression with 4 for its root.

* Notice that P, in ( 5 ) and ( 6 ), is put even with the first row in order to have its

position definitely decided upon when the products of the interior and exterior columns

are obtained.

Remember that the multiplication is the same as in the synthetic method excepting

that the Chinese compute vertically instead of horizontally.

For example, multiply x3 + 2x 2 + x - 1 byx2 - 7x + 5.

 []
-.--o-.*o

fol: J!tJJ J, '.};'?

$:-xJJJ!t,-yJJ-o*o

.f.:f j1Js\: x3 + 2x2y + 2xy _ 2y2 __ xy2 = 0, *.f1J s\.: x3 + 2xy _ xy

2

+ 2y2 = 0 0 ..t-i!'l]'-Af. d]p;J.::..1tiEJ*1!f!4x2 + 8x, d]7j-.::..1tiEJ

*1.JJ]2x2 + x3 0 i*J7j-.::..1ti'EliAf, ,1.J.ft]jf-;ti(; x2 - 2x- 8 = Oo jf--'f

;t , ,1.J .fJ. 1/!1., O ,if Ji)f fa] 0

62
 s1:..
l + 2 + l - l
a.
3:
oa
C') -

l - 7+ 5
.,,a
1+2+ 1- 1
a-
'=" :::r
- (I)

t/) 0
(1)3 c
"TI
-7 - 14 - 7 + 7
c
:::,
5 + 10 + 5 - 5 '7'
:::,

:::,
I - 5 - 8 + 2 + 12 - 5 (fl

Chinese method

-5 -5 5 -I

12 7 +5 -7 I

2 -I -7 +10 2

-8 I -14 +5 1
-5 2 -7

l I

( c)

63
 [ J1t :x: ]
1iJN:5i$Jc5t;f!lfQ, HfR o fJ.1;J*3e*3efU.zJjP]o [ l] foJ:
JLfnJ?
B: liivo

El : JJ..xJG-1J'L:J, JG-1JJN:. AJG-1Jo -ffiE, *

0 -1 ::k -1 -1 ::k -1
A: 1 , l 2 i >Jtqi"Zi"A: o 1 1 '(3) *q,-
-1 0 -1 0 0 -1 0
1 0 ::k O -1
JLZA: 0 0 0 0 o 0
1 4
1 Zi"A1JmjrZo -=5:-\ Axfu.,
0 0 1 0 0
l 1 -2j;: 1 -2 2 j:(
-1 1 -1 , "5l!f o -2 4 -2 o :!Lim5tfflr, li:1i
0 1 -2 0 0 1 -2
-78 -98
64
13 -14 j( -157 -133
7 -6 j( 11 -13 -146 -130
3 -7 , ::{:j"qf 5 -15 o r:*J=.1Tffl -43, 7.-:.1T1f -67 o r:*J7ffi
-1 -3 -2 -5 10 14
0 1 0 2 1I 11
-2 -2
-5
6
rf!J, tmtf.Jz., 1i7f1rA 4 o =*1r7fz, 15litvo c s 1 ,@-fii.J o
-6
1
 San Cai Yun Yuan ( The Evolution of
the Three Talents or Three Unknown
Quantities )

Problem. The quotient of the xian he he and the difference between the
xian and the gu is equal to zhi Ji; the quotient of the xian jiao he and the

difference between the xian and the gou is equal to the gou. [ 1 lFind the xian.
Ans. 5 bu. -=
cn=s-=
n:::::::

Process. Let the element tian be the gou, the element di the gu, and the
cn
:11:9

c=;r.n =-<
element ren the xian. Using these three talents ( elements ) we have
=n
0 -1 P -I -1 P -l 1 0 P O -1 ""
:z:
en
1 [ 2) O I 1 [3J 0 0 0 0 0 [ 4]

-1 0 -] 0 0 -1 0 0 0 1 0 0

Eliminating and changing the positions of tian and ren we have ,.

- :";? '

I I -2P 1 -2 2 P 65

-1 I -1 and O -2 4 -2
0 1 -2 0 0 1 -2

By composition,
7 -6 P 13 -14

3 -7 11 -13

-1 -3 5 -1 5

0 1 -2 -5

0 2
The products of the interior and exterior columns are
 [-)
[ 1 ] Jltt!P: {a + b! + c = a bo c + ( b - a) = ao ( )
c-b c-a
(2) 5'i:7C-x.1:J. !11!.:,c-yJ;J .A.7C-z1-l*., tl: [ 1] -i-\Jiff,
8Pi-\: - x - y - z + xyz - xy2 = Oo ( )
[3 ] tt [ l] m=JtH, RP:li!::Zi':i\: x - y - z - x2 + xz = O o ( )

[4J EBJN:*.ffl..:=:,c;.a:: x2 + _y2 - z2 = Oo ( )

[5J 1.-JZi':i:tit. x. :#J-Zi'5:t.fll=:,c5:1:1ty89oolt1tA, .tf=:,c*i:p,

x3 - 2x2 + 2x - 2x2z + 4xz - 2z + xz2 - 2z2 = Oo

( -z2 + 3z + 7) x + ( z3 - 3z2 - 7z - 6) = 0,

( -2z3 + 5z2 + l lz + 13) x + ( 2z4 - 5z3 - 15z2 - 13z - 14) = Oo

66
-2t' + l1z5 + 10t - 43z3 - 146z2 - 157z - 78,

-2z6 + l 1z5 + 14t - 67z3 - 130z2 - 133z - 980

t- 6z3 + 4z2 + 6z - 5 = Oo ( )

[]
. *o ,

-t O liiJ; Jt j :}i?
$: 5-ffeo
 Sf
:;;- a.
-78 p -99 i::.
-157 -133 oa
(')

-146 -130 a-
"tJ s.
0- ::,-
._ a,
Q) 'TI
3o
-43 -67 (/) c:

10 14 ::,
::,

11 ll
-2 -2
-5
6
After cancellation and dividing by 4, we have 4 , an expression of the
-6
l
fourth degree whose root, 5, r 5 l is the required gou.

[Notes]
[ I ] That is, ( a + b) + c = ab, c + ( b - a ) a. ( G ) 67
c -b c -a
[ 2 J Let x be tian, y di, z ren. Using them to replace a, b, c in the first expression of

last footnote, then get the jin shi: -x - y - ::: + xyz - xy2 = 0. ( G )

[ 3 ] Let x, y, and z replace a, b, c in the second expression of the footnote before the

last, then get the Yun shi: x - y - z - x2 + xz = 0. ( G )

[ 4 J A san yuan slzi is gotten by the methods of solving a right triangle: x2 + y2 - z2

= 0. ( G)

[ 5 ] Subtracting the Jin shi from the yun shi, and dividing by x, making the yun shi

and the san yuan shi become the function of y, in san yuan shu putting the element re11 on

the element tian as well, we have the qia11 shi:

r +x
1
- rz1
+ xz - z + xz - -Z-
, ?' - 2 = 0;
 Jc: 1 - .$\.
e
->1--11"-Z:. -
: x - y - z - x2 + xz = 0 , ,!,; "'' - - ..}'
.>t--11" _::..JC>\.: x2 + y-' - z2 = 0 0
AAAmz. A*Ak.
1l f J ;tJ A : x2 + x - x2z + xz - z + xz2 2z2 2 = 0, 1f f J ,; A : .x3
1 - - 1

- 2x2 + 2x - 2x2z + 4xz - 2z + xz2 - 2z2 = Oo 1i. f.ii!.1)-, 11'1 iAf , i-1"
xiJ ii.. A:
( -z2 + 3z + 7) x + ( z3 - 3z2 - 7z - 6) = 0,
tiA:
( -2z3 + 5z2 + l lz + 13) x + ( 2t - 5z3 - 15z2 - l3z - 14) = O o
i*l 1t:.tm-*-1l -2z6 + l lz5 + IOt - 43z3 - 146z2 - 157z - 78,
Jr1t:.tro*Al -2z6 + l lz5 + 14t - 67z3 - 13022 - 133z - 980
i*J ,r -=-1t.;f:fJ ;li , ff, ,1 z, -1, 1,11t A.=
t - 6z3 + 4z 2 + 6z - 5 = Oo

68
 Substituting the function concerning y conversed by the yun shi for y in the san

yuan shi, then also putting the element ren on the element tian, we have the hou shi:

x3 - 2x2 + 2x - 2x2z + 4xz - 2z + xz2 - 2z2 = 0.

By cancellation, we have the zuo shi:

( -z 2 + 3z + 7) x + ( z3 - 3z2 - 1z - 6) = 0,

And you shi:

(-2z 3 + 5z2 + llz + 13)x + (2t - 5z3 - 15z 2 - 13z - 14) = 0.

Multiplying the two interior columns, we get:

-2z6 + I lz5 + 10z4 - 43z 3 - 146z 2 - 157z - 78,

Multiplying the exterior two columns, we get:

-2z 6 + I lz5 + 14z4 - 67z 3 - 130z2 - 133z - 98.

After cancellation and dividing by 4, we have z4 - 6z3 + 4z2 + 6z - 5 = 0. ( G )

69

 [ miJt )
JN:*li. -*ma R-. --
jA_) o ( I ) fi:i) : fi:n1f 'ZJ JN: sJ:t: JL filJ?

B: -+lrnft a

B::,c-.:,c-JN:.A:,c-.:,c-*tta lrn
04:t:4

0 0 -1 0

1 0 jc O -1 0 -1 0
*=JCZA o o o o o C 3 ), c 41 *1iJCZA 2 :t: o <4) a [
5
1

0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0

2 -22 28 jc
lrnA, rJ1Jiffl!'Jz, w:, 1filIA o -I 10 -2 ( s), Foi\'.:
0 0 0 -1
70

-7 * ( 6 ), ff'11L1-r a iL1-rifilJ:tt
0 294
8 3 , fJi.ti1-r a r:J;J=.lr1i
0 2
0 -4

0 -2058 , -686

A o, =11"1ii\'.: -21 0 p;J7'=11"ffli ,-'1 ,1iff:1fi\'.: -7 0

16 28 4

[ff)
[ 1 ] ic.lil0Zf0'1 A = ( a + b) + ( a + c) + ( b + c ) + [ c + ( a + b)]
Si Xiang Hui Yuan ( Simultaneousness of
the Four Phenomena or Simultaneous
Equations in Four Unknowns )
c
:::::,

Problem. The product of the gu by the five jiao is equal to the sum of the
:e
0
:::::,
square of the xian and the product of the gou by the xian; The quotient of the
(/)

five he and the gou is equal to the difference between the square of the gu and
the difference between the xian and gou. [ 1 l Find the sum of the huang fang,

gou, gu and xian.

Ans. 14 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the gou, the element di the gu, the element
ren the xian, and the element wu the sum of the huang fang, gou, gu, and
xian. These four phenomena meeting we obtain the following expressions

0 4 p 4 J 0 p 0 -I
-2 p I
{ 2] -1 0 2 1 ( 2 ),(3) 0 0 0 0 CX3)[4 l 71
0 1 0 ( 1 )
0 -1 0 0 0 1 0 0
0 -1 0
2 p 0 (4) [3)

0 2 0
By eliminating and interchanging the positions of tian and wu,
2 -22 28 p
-7 p
0 -1 10 -2 ( 5 ), and (6)
0
0 0 0 -1
From these expressions we obtain also

Im
+ [ c + ( b - a)], Jitl(Zlll'1 B = ( b - a) + ( c - a) + ( c - b) + [ c - ( b

- a)] + [ ( a + b) - c ], JitllP: bB = c2 + ac, != b2 - ( c - a )o ( n)

[2] ijtj;:7G-x::);J. Jt!!.JG-y::J;)ffll:, A7G-z1l, Jl7G-u11Elr* [(a

+ b) - c] + (a+ b + c )0 .liZ.lll B = 2c, f.llt2bc = c2 + ac, *144-A:

x - 2y + z = Oo ( n)
[ 3 ] Jil!lZ.lll A = 2a + 4b + 4c, .lit 2a + 4b + 4c = a [ b2 - ( c - a)], 3j(

liA: -x2 + 2x - xy2 + 4y + xz + 4z = Oo ( n)

[ 4 J El:J-tJM*)j(f!J.=n:i:t: x2 + y2 - z2 = Oo ( n)

[5]Jl1f!::j, JN:, =zlfl1Ju = 2a + 2b, Jt::J;J#)n, T>l<Jf7GA:

2x + 2y - u = O o ( fi5 )

[ 6 ] *1J.4-:i:t1wffl=, !:fmJGAffirlli, 1fj!J_tf.\'L-6y + 2z + u = Oo ,M!Jj;\!:5 =;,c:i:t

fflrlli, ,:Rl;J4'mjr.j\7j!jz., ,,tp{\L-2y3 - 2y2- 4y + 2yz + y2u + 2z2 - 8z- zu - 2u

= o" J=J"G:i:t 4'm7GAffirlli, iflfFfft 8y2 - 4yu - 4z2 + u2 = Oo J..t.uL, tp{\i:ffl

illf. l;J.4Z.. 2y3 - 22y2 + 28y -y2u + lOyu - u2 - 2u = o ;(1!97efl1j'i!i:f::r, :Hi

72
tmnfflJJ51(7G.l., itiWA: 2y3 - 22y2 + 28y - fx + 10yx - x2 - 2x = Oo filJAi:f::r y2

(J{JfJ,f-j(f: -8, 4--f:&ffi#iE o j_tfft, fftffl7flj, I:) 16!r.JZ., fJJ-7y +

2u = o, 1i!tm7efflJtl;l(n...t, it:l:15:i:to 15:i:tl!Pb:Ao 1t!c:rtrl1ifilJAiflJA:

8u 2y - 4u 2 + 3u + 294 = 0

2 ( 8u 2 ) = l 6u2 ,

-7 ( -4u2 + 3u + 294) = 28u2 - 2lu - 20580

 0 294
8 3
0 -4
Which is placed on the right ( of the bar ) and ( 6 ) on the left. The prod
uct of the interior and exterior columns are
0 -2058
0 and -21
16 28
-686
Subtracting the one from the other and dividing by 3, we have -7
4
a quadratic expression whose root, 14, ( 6 l is the required number. ( 7 l

[Notes]

[ l ] Use A = ( a + b ) + ( a + c ) + ( b + c ) + [ c + ( a + b ) ] + [ c + ( b

- a) J for the sum of the five he, B = ( b - a) + ( c - a) + ( c - b) + [ c - ( b

73
-a)]+ [(a+b)- c ] forthe sum of the fivejiao.That is, bB=c2+ac, A=b1
a -

( c - a). ( G)

[ 2 J Use the element tian x for the gou, the element di y for the gu, the element ren

z for the xian, and the element wu u for the required number which is [ ( a + b )- c ] +

(a + b + c).The sum of five jiao is A = 2c . So 2bc = c 2 + ac, we have Jin shi: x - 2y

+ z = 0. ( G)

[ 3] The sum of five he is B = 2a + 4b + 4c.Therefore, 2a + 4b + 4c = a [ b2 -

( c - a)]. We have the yun shi: -x 2 + 2x - xy2 + 4y + xz + 4z = 0. ( G )

[ 4] A san yuan shi is gotten by the methods of solving a right triangle: x2 + 'I'- z2

= 0. ( G)
 4u2 - 7u - 686 = O o ( )

[ 7] *-iEX 70 JnP,Jrl1Jtr 61';,J:5:ti:J:itl<J:r.t < 1 ) fi*tltffFJJ5:to :J!N!iiQ:

11-1-o ii:i::tlffiiQ:iiJVJJ ( 1) A; INJJN!iiQ:ffi=$7tVJ "..RL"'' ,ftiii, Ji.fr!V.
< 2) i:\!if*t'l=L"A; JJ < 3) j:\';.:::1'7G: *, Jffl, A; Jifi!V.tltl$t1==JGA; 1:JJ
< 4) A'E27G. Jifi!V.Etltl*:1-Jitm.JGt; < s) 3:-ttltf*JJntrA; < 6) 5:ttltf*JJJ5:to
JJ 7 Mt}ifJ! , * tlJJllft1Jrl: , JS:Jl:l:.i3A IV.JxffiYtl o fW01iit::!lo Pff:
4-xJJ-z], yj;J)R, z:1-J. w:1-J'ltjf, 1.;J, )R, !V.J;3fU o liJly - x, z

- x, z - y, x + y - Z, VJ.&z - (y - x)o 1itllffi:;/g2z o .liffiJJx + y, x + z;

Y + Z, X + Y + Z, IV.}kz + (y - x)o JiffiZ.jJ2x + 4y + 4zo

EBIJ!W:ffi-$:fr, riJtf 2yz = z2 + xz

z2 + xz - 2yz = 0, (1 )
2x + 4y + 4z
m&iil1=$7t, iilt x
= y2 - z + x

!i1t:it2x + 4y + 4z = xy2 - xz + x2

# 2x + 4y + 4z - xy2 + xz - x2 = 0 (2)

llx2 + y2 = z2 :ioc::lt x2 + y2 - z2 = 0 (3)

74
lk w = x +y - z + x + y + z ::: 2x + 2y

2x + 2y - w=0 ( 4)

-2 P 1 0 4 P 4

0 1 0 ( 1 ), -1 0 2 1 ( 2 ),

0 0 -1 0

1 0 P O -1 0 -I O

0 0 0 0 0 ( 3) , 2 P O (4)

0 0 I O O 0 2 0
 [ 5 ] The sum of the huang fang, gou, gu and xian is u = 2a + 2b, that is the ele-

ment wu. So we have the wu yuan shi: 2x + 2y - u = 0. ( G)

[ 6 ] Multiplying the jin shi by 2, and eliminating with wu yuan shi, we have the top
position, -6y + 2z + u = 0. Eliminating the yun shi and by cancellation with the san yuan

shi, then with the wu yuan shi, we have the centre position, -2y3 - 2y2 - 4y + 2yz + y2u +

2z 2 - 8z - zu - 2u = 0. Eliminating the san yuan shi and by cancellation with the wu yuan

shi, we have the bottom position, 8y 2 - 4yu - 4z2 + u2 = 0. Eliminating the top position

and by cancellation with the center position, then dividing the result by 4, we have 2y3 - 22y2

+ 28y - y2u + lOyu - u2 - 2u = 0. In four elements' elimination, the element wu need

to be put on the element tian. So we have the qian shi: 2y3 - 22y2 + 28y - y2x + lOyx - x2

- 2x = 0. In the qian shi the coefficent of y2 was mistaken for -8. Now we correct it accord-

ing to Tian Miao' s collation. Elinating the top position and by cancellation with the bot-

tom position, then dividing the result by 16, we have -7y + 2u = 0. Putting the element wu

on the element tian too, we have the hou shi: -?y + 2x = 0. The hou shi is the zuo shi.

Eliminating the qian shi with the zuo shi, we have the you shi: 8u 2y - 4u 2 + 3u + 294 = 0.
75
Multiplying the two interior columns, we have 2 ( 8u2 ) = I 6u2

Multiplying the two exterior columns, we have -7 ( - 4u2 + 3u + 294 ) = 28u 2

- 21u - 2058.

Elitninating the two interior and the two euterior columns, then dividing the result

by 3, we have the quadratic expression 4u 2 - ?u - 686 = 0. ( G)

( 7 J In the expressions of the text in P.71. expression( 1 )is called, by Zhu Shijie,jin

shi ( \ ). Jin ( , now ) is the first character used in the beginning of the statement from

which the first expression is obtained; expression ( 2 ) is called yun shi ( Zi":i:\ ) because

the second part of the statement begins with the two words zhi yun ( ,R z. ) or "and it is

said"; expression ( 3 ) is called san yuan shi ( =:ffiA ), or three elements expression, be-
 0 2

2 p ( 4a)

0 -1

}JJt7t19 p;lj,t-$71-
0 2 p

2 p -I

0 0 -4
0 -8 0

-4 0 P ( 5a)

0 0 0

0 0 I

l,'J ( 2) ,EJIJ (I) 3:\'.;, .1f

-8 P 4

-2 4 I (6)

O l O

0 -12 P

1 -2 2

0 0 2

0 0 2

1 -2 2 ( 7a)
cause it contains the three elements, tian, di and ren. Expression ( 4 ) is called wu yuan shi

( !jm::,c;rt ) because it contains the element wu. Expression ( 5 ) is called qian shi ( wJj.\ ),

and expression ( 6) is called hou shi ( filj\ ) or former and latter expressions.

In these discussions the expressions are numbered according to the modem method c
::,
::,,:
merely for convenience. The process of solution is as follows. ::,
0
::e
::,
Let x be the base, y the leg, z the hypotenuse, and w the sum of the huang fang, base,
(/)

leg, and hypotenuse. The five jiao are y - x, z - x, z - y, x + y - z, and z - ( y - x ),

the sum of which is equal to 2z. The five he are x + y, x + z, y + z, x + y + z, and z +

( y - x ), the sum of which is equal to 2x + 4y + 4z.

From the first statement we have 2yz = z2 + xz

or z2 + xz - 2yz = 0, ( l )
2x + 4y + 4z
From the second statement we have = y2 - z+x
x
or 2x + 4y + 4z = xy2 - xz + x2

or 2t + 4y + 4z - xy2 + xz - x2 = 0 (2)

And x2 + y2 = z2or x2 + y2 - z2 = 0 (3) 77

And w = x +y-z+x+y+ z = 2x + 2y

or 2x + 2y - w = 0 (4)

Putting these into the Chinese form we have

-2 p 0 4 P 4

O l O ( 1 ), -1 0 2 1 ( 2 ),

0 0 -l O

1 0 P O -1 0 -l O

0 0 0 0 0 (3) ' 2 P O (4)

0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
 0 -12 p

V)2* ( 7a ) .it, MJa:blLt ( 5a ) i:t, *}

2 -12

-4 -24 p ( 8a)

0 0 0

0 0 1

IV. 2* C). MMC8a)----. m

2 -12 0

-4 -28 P ( 9a)

0 0 2

0 0 1

0 0 -12 0

-2 -4 -28 P ( IOa)

O I O 2
78
0 0 0 1

VJ 6 * ( 4a) J:.\, MFA:bnJ: ( IOa ), lft

-2 8 -28 P

0 1 -6 2 ( I la)

0 0 0 1

r!I z El, ( 1 ) .J3'.;,tn\tj,;rj$5t

-2 P P 1

0 1

4 0 P O -1
 as given by Zhu Shijie.

[ Use x for tian, y for di, z for ren, and w for wu. ]

Since we want to form the equation in terms of w, interchange the position of x and

w in expression ( 4),

0 2

2 p ( 4a)

0 -1

Separate this expression into two parts,

0 2 p

2 p -1

Square both parts and subtract the one from the other,

0 0 -4

0 -8 0

-4 0 p ( 5a)

0 0 0
79
0 0 l

Multiply ( I ) by the right column of ( 2),

-8 p 4

-2 4 l (6)

0 l 0

Subtract ( 2 ) from ( 6 ),

0 -12 p

l -2 2

0 0 2

Interchange the position of x and w of this expression,

 0 -4 0 0 0 ( 12)

0 0 1 0 0

)A ( 3) 3:t;i:p* ( 12)

-3 p

0 4

3<: x !;j w 0,&!t

0 4

-3 p ( 13a)

t:J 2* ( 4a) A, Fo)A ( 13a) A9l1'-:W:

-7 p

0 2 ( 14a)

JA ( 1 la) :i\'.:i:J:i"* < 14a) A, 1f

-2 8 - 21 p

0 1 -6 0 ( 15a)

0 0 0 1
80
i:J ( 14a) 0:t:ijtl ( 15a) :t\
-4 16 -42 p

0 2 -12 0 ( 16a)

0 0 0 2

4- ( 16a) '=!i ( 14a) 0r=ttffl. t!.tmffl

-4 16 -42

0 2 5 ( l7a)

t:J ( 17a) 0tl ( 14a)

294 p

35 -84 ( I Sa )'
 s-&:;-
i-
a.
0 0 2
C') -
0<3
-2 2 ( 7a)
a-s.
1
,:,
0 -12 p t:r ::r
-- <I>
ci'
(/) c:
Multiply ( 7a) by 2, then add to ( Sa),

2 -12 4

-4 -24 p ( 8a)

0 0 0

0 0 1

Multiply ( 4a) by 2, then subtract from ( 8a ),

2 -12 0

-4 -28 p ( 9a)

0 0 2

0 0 l

Make the right column of ( 4a) even with the left column of ( 9a ), and subtract,

0 0 -12 0
81
-2 -4 -28 p ( lOa)

0 I 0 2

0 0 0 1

Multiply ( 4a) by 6 then add to ( 1Oa),

-2 8 -28 p

0 l -6 2 ( 11 a )

0 0 0 l

Separate ( l ) into two parts by setting z by itself,

-2 p and p l

0 1
 0 -10

( l4a) fl97tl?'J* ( l7a )

-8 32 -84

0 4 -10 ( l9a)

0 294

8 3 ( 20a)

0 -4

1t- ( 14a) ( 20a) :Jf:tl

-7 0 P O 294

0 2 8 3

0 0 0 -4

O P -2058

0 -21
82
16 28

-686

-7
4

[]
---. ----o *: , --

--o M: **i, tt, Mj?

Square both. then subtract one from the other,

4 0 p 0 -1

0 -4 0 0 0 ( 12)

0 0 I 0 0
Subtract ( 12) from ( 3 ),

-3 p

0 4

Interchange the position of x and w,

0 4

-3 p ( 13a)

Multiply ( 4a) by 2, then subtract from ( J 3a),

-7 p

0 2 ( 14a)

Subtract ( 14a) from ( I la),

-2 8 -21 p
83
0 J -6 0 ( 15a)

0 0 0 1

Multiply ( 15a) by the right column of ( 14a).

-4 16 -42 P

0 2 -12 0 ( l6a)

0 0 0 2

Make the lower rows of ( J 6a ) and ( I 4a ) even, then subtract,

-4 16 -42

0 2 5 ( l 7a)

Multiply ( 14a) by the right column of ( 17a),

 =;k,-xh. ;k,-yhft, A;k,-zh. 4h;k,-uh
*A, ;k,, ;k,, A;k,, 4h;k,q*Mo ltlA:
x - 2y + z = 0, >1-1.f/--i:: A: -x 2 + 2.x - xy2 + 4y + xz + 4z = 0, >1-
1.ff.E-;k,A: x2 + y2 - z2 = 0, *1l4h;k,A: 2.x + 2y - u Oo iJf
rtr1!'Ji:::.., 1i'4hfi:...f!cJ1Jfi:..a1ii.IJ:., 1.ff-J1J1Ff A: 2y3 - 22y2 + 28y -
y2x + lOyx - x2 - 2.x = O; 5l1.f/-J1j){; A: -7y + 2x = 0, i!flii.Ao i,.:J.

ii.A-!-i;li;tJA, 1-iltl 8x2y - 4x2 + 3x + 294 = 0, Ylr..JlAo iA '!:i

Afn i*]..::.{t.tL., 1.f/-ltJ 16x2 ; ;..::.1t.tij.3f(.1--ltl 28x 2 - 2lx - 20580
..::. j J9i A,tij i , 1r.:.t. 3 t1 iai , 1.ff- 11J -Jt :;t A: 4x2 - 7x - 686 = o -Jt-t
o

:;t ' 1--j1J 14 0 .rf Jr)j" fo) 0

84
 294 p

35 -84 ( 18a)

0 -10

Multiply ( l 7a) by the right column of ( 14a),

c
::,
-8 32 -84

::,
0 4 -10 ( l 9a) C/l

Subtract ( l 9a) from ( t 8a ),

0 294

8 3 ( 20a)

0 -4

Put ( l 4a) and ( 20a) side by side,

-7 0 p 0 294

0 2 8 3

--
'
0 0 0 -4

The product of the interior and exterior columns are ..

85
O P -2058

0 -21

16 28

Subtract, then divide the remainder by 3, and we have

-686

-7

a quadratic expression whose root, 14, is the required number. ( C)

 mJ"t.. J:.
1[fl)j(ii --tJ\litJ

1
[ Jffi)t )
fllfll* fflf!l, :IJU5t. lf-s.*+fLo [I] R5!$$c*
fll. JN3!fll*JN' -+ li 21 fo]: ,tJ JLfPJ? 0 [

B: -tP"o

*El: -JI;Jc7e-1J'ZJ, :tmf.R>l<Zo 1t=+1in _ -f--a=+li1Jtto

;\. +-7.i;\.-f--s1J..t., =+-tJJ;\. -f-fL a=+:R11M.=. =
7.i.=.=r;\.a.*+;\.1JEJJl. -a;\.+-J-JM.. -t*:1J:Jfz. c 31 11
,tj o -ftloJo

[ 11:'f]
[I] icmlJ, Mt, 5tj}1']a, b, c, Jttf!P: [c +(a+ b)](a + b +
c) + c2 = 169 0 ( $lS)

86 ( 2) Jttl!P: [ c - ( b - a)) [ c + ( b - a)] - ( c + b) ( c - b) = IS o ( flS)

[3J ff:1JittJttmit'1:
181.x8 - 22868x6 + 278926x4 - 818100.r + 253125 = Oo ( )

[ 1]
M:fp:fp, R, M*- ffl@o
*
*l.fx) 5t *l <r.i 3fl:;f.?,. , ; -i-R 5t :ft7 R 5t <r.i :f.?,. , '* 15 ffe Jo) : ;)}
o

1 :}'?
$: 3-vo

: ii_J;..fG-;)} tJ , .,_A -Jto:;fp,. >k*-Jt..*f o f Jij 253125 ;)} 'f ,

-818100;)} .=:..ik i,.4t_, 278926;)} *- i,.4t_, -22868;)} * ik1Ji ii.
4t. ' 181 ;)} .,"'-ik ' ff)"-ik ' 1:t.1-J j1J tJ 11" 1;-- ..Ji.If 1o]
O 0
 BOOK I
Zhi Duan Qiu Yuan ( Problems on
Right Triangles and Rectangles )
18 Problems

1. The product of the xian he he by the sum of the three sides plus the square

Of the Xian iS equal tO } 69 bu ( I J, and the product Of the Xian jiao jiaO by the

xian jiao he minus the poduct of the gu xian he by the gu xian jiao is equal to

15 bu. f 2 l Find the gou.

Ans. 3 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the gou. From the statement we have 253125

for the positive shi, 818100 for the negative first Lian, 278926 for the posi

tive third Lian, 22868 for the negative fifth lian, and 181 for the positive yu,

an expression ( 3 l of the eighth degree whose root is the required gou.

87

[Notes]
[ I ] Use a for the gou, b for the gu, and c for the xian, that is [ c + ( a + b ) ] ( a

+ b + c) + c2 = 169. ( G)

[ 2 ] That is, [ c - ( b - a ) ] [ c + ( b - a)] - ( c + b ) ( c - b ) = 15. ( G)

[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 18lx8 - 22868x6 + 278926x4

- 818100x2 + 253125 = 0. ( C)
 2.
( m{)t J
4''Aj:fll*Jli:fll, 'AJ*Jli!, *{:;+o[I] T{:flllQ*
' J-tf=o ( foJ: JN:JL{iiJ? 2
]

B: llYo
*s=-:1gft,Mffl*Zo-s*+JJftf*li-+*:1g
iE, -+J'-JJ*f*s=+im1-Jix1...t.NI, 1',:-ims-t+ft1-JJA_
lfl, -t+1-J1ilt, -1-JM, {:;*1f*Z, (J) 1fJlio itfiiJo

( ... ]
[ 1 ] J.ltf!P: ( c + a) ( c + b) - ( c - a) ( c - b) = 700 ( $f) )
[ 2 J J.ltllP: [ c + ( b + a) J [ c + C b - a ) J = 12 0 C n )
[ 3] :Jf1Jj.\:09Jmftj.\'.;: -r - 70x' + 6479x4 - 186624.r + 1679616 = O o ( )

(]
+*----,*------ . 70o
*---nffeo A:&;Jij?
: 4-ffe'o
88 ;f(; *._jc,-;Ji&, l-'A*-*--1--o Jj1J 1679616 ;Ji't:tji,
-186624 ;Ji.::-;k_:!jf A\, 6479 ;JJ;k:!jf . -70 ;Ji/, ;k_1Ji A\4t,
-1 ;Ji ,i\.. ik :tjt ' -Jt ,i\.. ik ' . 1t., .ftl 0 ,ff 1;-- Ji}f fo] 0

3.
( m{)t]
4-***, 1JO'AJ**, film+ o [JI R --JN:
*'1 ( ) loJ: JLfiiJ?
2
0

B: lio

*s=-1g,toffl*Zoffl-f1is=+1t1giE.-llY
+1gM1f,1i+llY1gMNl.-+=1g-.-1giE.=**
Z, [ 3] f5 o i}-fiiJ o
2. The product of the gou xian he by the gu xian he minus the product of the

gou xian jiao by the gu xian jiao is equal to 70 bJ I l, and the product of the

xian he he by the xian jiao he is equal to 72 bu. [ 2 l Find the gu.

Ans. 4 bu. c
::,
;,:;
::,
Process. Let the element tian be the gu. From the statement we have 1679616
::,
(J)

for the positive shi, 186624 for the negative first lian, 6479 for the positive
third Lian, 70 for the negative fifth Lian, and 1 for the negative yu, an ex
pression l 3 1 of the eighth degree whose root is the required gu.

[Notes]
[ I ] That is, ( c + a ) ( c + b ) - ( c - a ) ( c - b ) = 70. ( G )

[ 2 J That is, [ c + ( h + a ) J [ c + ( b - a ) ] = 72. ( G)

[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: -x8 - 70x6 + 6479x4 -

l86624x2 + 1679616 = 0. ( C)
89

3. The product of the xian he jiao by the xian he he plus the product of the

gou xian jiao by the gou xian he is equal to 40 bu l I l, and the square of the

gou is equal to the gu xian he l 2 1. Find the xian .

Ans. 5 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the xian . From the statement we have
1525 for the positive shi, 140 for the positive fang, 54 for the negative Lian,

RD
( - l

..t
[ 1 ] JltffP: [ ( a + b) - c] [ ( a + b) + c] + ( c - a) ( c + a) = 40 0 ( )
[ 2] Jltf!P: a2 = C + bo ( $ )
[3] 7fjjj\'.;ft1-J: x4 - 12x3 - 54x2 + 140x + 1525 = O o ( )

[ i l
----.-----.o R
"-.!It Jt-#l o 1oJ: !t:h I :J;?
$: 5-!Vo
'*-= if J;._Jt-:h #:, }' :ko;f;t *'*-Jt:.$f O -1.f .ftl 1525 :h '*"a1:m, 140 :h
-ik.1:m i. -s4 :h=-ik i. -12 :h-=-ik ia. 1 :h._iiiik
f..A, **-*, t-o Ao

4.
[ ffi)t l
tRzln, -+tv"o
[
I) fJ.1'gJNln-t$[ 2 lo fcJ: .:1JJL1iiJ?
EJ: =tvc
*B:--:1J.ffl*Zoffl=W.-WM1f, =
'1M!1l. -M, JfJfZ. ( 3) tft:1i1fo itfcJo
90
[ jiff l
[ 1 ] fRffi-zJ!RfRo Jltf!P: ab - [ ( a + b) - c] = IO o ( )
( 2] Jltf!P: a + b = 7o ( n )
[ 3) :Jfjjj\'.;tf9$1"t.Jtj;: -x3 + 2x2 + lOOx - 200 = O o ( )

[ -]
*Jlt- . IOo -7o M:**I
$: 2-!Yo
-*-=
iiJt-:)] if jj", lrA-:!11nf;t* >i.Jt:.Mo fJij -200 :h 't'Ji, 100
:h-*- t4t., 2 :h =-,k ia. -1 :h :&.iii*- i. iL, 1t. *
Jtl ... 0 .1f Ji)f 11 0
 12 for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression f 3 J of

the fourth degree whose root is the required xian.

[Notes]
( I ] That is, [ ( a + b ) - c ] [( a + b ) + c ] + ( c - a ) ( c + a ) = 40. ( G )

[ 2 J That is, a2 = c + b. ( G )

[ 3] The expression in modern form is the equation: x4 - 12r3 - 54x2 + 140.t +

1525 = o. ( C)

4. The ji minus the xian he jiao is equal to 10 bu [ 1 l, and the sum of the gou

and the gu is 7 bu r 2 l. Find the huang fang.

Ans. 2 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the huang fang. From the statement we

have 200 for the negative shi, 100 for the positive fang, 2 for the positive
91
lian, and 1 for the negative yu, a cubic expression,[ l whose root is the
3

required huang fang.

[Notes]
[ I ] The ji means the product of the gou and the gu. That is, ab - [ ( a + b ) - c ]

= 10. ( G)

( 2 ) That is, a + b = 7. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: -x3 + 2x2 + I OOx - 200 = 0.

( c)
 5.

lf1JU-V-. ixlw. t:J-1-*Z, llii:l*;JJ, .&lfl;\.=flmst\

[ 1*3t]

+tv :JJZ-=tv J *, JJZ-*

EJ: JJZ-JLt/7, i-+=tf7o
o [I) _R o [i fci): JL(PJ?

*El: .ll.7(7G-jj:, nfJl>ltZo 1l1\.=f1is_+=jjiE, -s=

t=:tiM:n, 1i+:ft/hb\lffi, 1L1'JM, .ll.n:ffz, 1i*o it"fciJo l l
3

[jiff]
J(t f-Rffi:.:,
"i&a'13fl-. b'1:.:. flH1r:.:, .1JZzflla !ltllP:
312-ZlRab, + ho

!ltliP:
( ab ) 2 - [ ( ab + a2 - b2 ) a2 - ( a + b ) 2 ] = 8460 0 ( $IS )

( 2] b - a = 3o ( )
[ 3) 3f1J.:ittt9m\ft.ID;r.tJJ: -9x3 + 59x2 - 123x + 8532 = Oo ( )

[if]
*, +z+z. *z"-. fz"-*z. *, +z
"- $.-*' -tz;f.R:.Y 8460ffeo ..R-:-tz.!.;lJ3ffeo 1oJ: *'
92 f jlJ ffe :,y ?
$: f;.lJ9ffe, -i(:5'J 12ffeo
iik;it- )9 -i(:, Y.A***-Jt.Wf- 0 -flf-f1j 8532 ;.9 'f 4t_, -123
;i(;
;h-*41A. ;h*IA, -9;hA*lt, fr*t
1-f jlJ * 0 Ji)j" loJ O

6.

l)J*Z, ffl--=f1L a1i-rtf7o r K1i5tZ JJZ

[ m{)t]
::ffffl:IJOK, - ,R
=5tz=. -tffeo l fiil: K, -*JL-fnJ?.
I]
21

EI: -+=tv. K=+1itvo

*B:.ll.7(J"G-j}-if,ffl>ltZo-+-jJ. ==+
 a,c....
8
;,,;- CD
5. If the ji plus the square of the width minus the square of the length be _s:;

-
..,
multiplied by the square of the width, minus the square of the he the result is

less than the square of the Ji by 8460 bu.[ 1 l The difference between the length
CD
"TI
0
c
and the width is 3 bu f 2 J. Find the length and the width.

Ans. Width, 9 bu; length, 12 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have

8532 for the positive shi, J 23 for the negativefang, 59 for the positive Lian,

and 9 for the negative yu, a cubic expression ! 3 l whose root is the equired

length.

(Notes]
[ 1 J Let a be the width, b the length. The ji means the product of lhe width and the

length, ab. The he means the sum of the width and the length, a + b. That is, ( ab ) 2 -

[ ( ab + a2 - b2 ) a 2 - ( a + b ) 2 ] = 8460. ( G )
93
[ 2 ] That is, b - a = 3. ( G )

[ 3 J The expression in modern form is the equation: -9x3 + 59x 2 - l 23x +

8532 = o. ( C)

6. The sum of the Ji and the length multiplied by one half of the width is equal

to 1950 bu.[ 1 lFrom three-fifths of the length subtract two-thirds of the width,

the remainder is 7 bu.r 2 l Find the length and the width.

Ans. Width, 12 bu; length, 25 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have
 130000 for the negative shi, 3325 for the positive fang, 600 for the nega
tive Lian, and 27 for the positive yu, a cubic expression l 3 l whose root is
the required length.

[Notes J
[ l ] That is, ( ab + b ) x .la = l 950. ( G )
2
( 2 ] That is, l. b - .1 a = 7. ( G )
5 3
[ 3 ]The expression in modem form is the equation: 27x3 - 600.r + 3325x - 130000

= o. ( c)

7. Multiply theji plus the threejiao by the length and from the result subtract
three times the width. The remainder is equal to 9744 bu.! 1 l The sum of the
great half of the length and the weak half of the width is less than the length
by 4 bu.l 2 l Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, l 6 bu; length, 24 bu. 95
Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have
29088 for the negative shi, 132 for the positive fang, 51 for the negative
Lian, and 4 for the positive yu, a cubic expression I 3 1 whose root is the
required length.

[Notes]
[ I ]The jiao means the difference between the length and the width, b - a. That is,
[ ab + 3 ( b - a)] b - 3a = 9744. ( G)
[ 2 J A great half is and a weak half is l , That is, b - ( ; b + a ) = 4. ( G )
[ 3 J The expression in modern form is the equation: 4x3 - 5 Lr + l 32x - 29038 = 0. ( C )
8. The difference between the square of theji and the width is equal to 11655
bJ I l, and the sum of one fourtb of the length, one third of the width, and one
half of the he is equal to 161 bu.C 2 J Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, 9 bu; length, 12 bu.
c
::::,
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have ::i-
::::,
=:
0

944055 for the negative shi, 81 for the negative fang, 39204 for the posi en
tive first Lian, 3960 for the negative last lian, and 100 for the positive yu.
Solving this expressiod 3 l of the fourth degree we have the required width.

[Notes]
[I J That is, (ab) 2 - a = 11655. (G)
. l l l l
[ 2 ] That 1s, b + a +
4 3 2 ( a + b ) = 16 . ( G )
2
[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation: 100.x" - 3960x3 + 39204x2 -

81.x - 944055 = 0. ( C )

97

9. The difference between the ji and the square of the jiao is 71 bJ I land the
sum of the three sides is 40 bu [ 2 J. Find the sum of the length and the width.
Ans. 23 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the length and the width. From
the statement we have 4071 for the negative shi, 200 for the positive fang,
and 1 for the negative yu, a quadratic expression l 3 l whose root is the re
quired sum.
 [ itff)
[ l] .llt l'!P : ab - ( b - a ) 2 = 7 l O ()

[2JfflftA. *--%. ft. m-ZoJlt:

a + b + Ja2 + b2 == 400 ( )
[ 3] ffjfff{Jm1,f\:%:1J: -x2 + 200x - 4071 = D o ( )

[ 4-]
4'-f;: ._ fZi-k-!(;: ._ fZA{Y-J, 71 ffe 0 Y-.v:J.-f-,;liJ, v:J.*,;li
RiJRz,;lJffe o A: f;:, -f-jJj?
$.: 23 ffe O

*,
*-:k-.;lJ-;:,-f-z. **-Mo-71-
>Ji , 200 jJ - ;k_ i 4t, - I 71 ifi. ,k. i , -Jf--f- , 1t.1t frj -f
z:fi, o # fo)j" Iii] o
10.
[ Jnt)t ]
1ffftbo.fll, ffl*.
l'iiJ: fRJL1iiJ?
1,=
.:P-s = +P" o c, 1 R E*$r312- [ 210 =tv
B: 1!9+P"o
*B:-ffl,jnffl*offll!9sl!9+JLl!9-=fl!9li.
ll111--=sll11+1L1:. imMffli. -1-liE. -*nffz, [ 3 1
98
1ffflo fiiJo

[ itff]
[ l] Jltl!!P: [ab+ (a+ b)] ab == 21200 ()
[ 2] Jltf!P: b - a = 3 o ( )
[ 3 ] ffjf:00f\:%J:.\1J: x4 - 4x3 - 4249x2 + 4494400 = Do ( )

[ 4-]
4'-.:tff;:, -'fz;f>t;b11f;: ._ -tz, v:J.f;:, -tz*-z, 1f2120ffeo ..R.-i.-ic
j-f-3-ffe o A: f;:, -f-z,;lJj?
$.: 40 ffe O

;!(: i.tk- 71--!(;:, -f-zj[;fR, v:J.jtp**-.Jt:.Wf- 0 4,-.f1J 4494400 ,;lJ

'*">Ji, -4249=-;k. i. -471;k_>Ji i. l 71Jftjij,k. -
-jf-Q. -iE:, -f-z;f>t o Flo
[ Notes l

[ 1 ] That is, ab - ( b - a ) 2 ::: 71. ( G )

[ 2 ] The sum of the three sides is the sum of the gou, the gu, and the xian of a right

triangle. The width is used for the gou, and the length for the gu. That is, a + b +./ a2 + b2 :::

40. ( G)

[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: -x2 + 200x - 4071 = 0. ( C)

10. The product of the sum of theji and he by theji is equal to 2120 bJ' l, and

the length exceeds the width by 3 bu r 2 1. Find the Ji.

Ans. 40bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the zhi ji. From the statement we have

4494400 for the positive shi, 4249 for the negative first Lian, 4 for the nega
99
tive last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu. Solving this expression [ l of the 3

fourth degree we have the requiredji.

[Notes)

[I J That is, [ ab + ( a + b ) J ab = 2120. ( G)

[ 2 ] That is, b - a = 3. ( G )

[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation:

x4 - 4x3 - 4249x2 + 4494400 = 0. ( C )

 11.
[ Jffix l
4-1ffJt/Jnit, 1f_ s+ -2P'o (I) fJ_ff, 3-, t1- + /\2P' [i)o
roJ = 5t JtfiiJ?
EJ: -+1itP"c
;f:B: 1I.;,cJr:.-jJ, nlR>!<Z o 1-{J=s-+:lijJiE, _.+1"1Jia
1r' -JJiE, 3-Jr:rfz, [ 3] 115t o itfJJJ o

[ -)
[I] ,J.;m;f!p o Jltf!P: ab + c2 = 333 0 ( W)
[ 2 J Jltf!P: a + b + c = 36 0 C:tlS )
[ 3 J ff1fj;\'.;B':Jft%j!'.;jJ: x2 - 36x + 315 = 0 0 ( )

( if l
4--* *, -t.t;f;t}Ju#.;_, .ff 333 "!Vo 7' -i.*, -t, # .;..Z$' 59 36 -ffe o
loJ : ft 59 $ 1 ?
: 15 ffe O

100 ;i(: ikJL- 7'] 5, Y\'.1;:t**-$.-Wfo 1!J-.f 315 7'1 '$"Jft, -36 7'1
-;);__ 4t_, 1 j(JJj'l,k._ , 1f--f-;;t ,1fAff1J5t 0 1f_liJff"l o

12.
l mtx l
4-fflRSJZ-. fR*Z, JZ.1ilJZ-lmfR, =+-t7f1L=f1"-s=+tvo [ I)
R zr*lf';ln?tz-, 3-lf';lJtz=., ;tt*?t-=ffx>lt1-1Jl-Jt-=f=.5tz.-0 ! 2 l
lllJ:*, 3Jl-JLM?
B: 3--+;\.tp-, *-+tvo
;f:B: '5I.;Jc7e--1:/3Jl-, $lllfJt:::J<Z.01i1i+7f_=f=s.=.:.+lm1:/.iit, 1L
'1ia"JJ, -+=-'1M-1.ffit. _1'Jiilrffit. n'1iErsM. =*:nH-z. [ 3
)

113- lo]
0 0

'

g>
O a.
11. The sum of the ji and the square of the xie is equal to 333 bu [ 1 J, and the
::,,;- CD
'-"-
....
....
-
sum of the length, the width, and the xie is equal to 36 bu C 2 1. Find the xian.
Ans. 15 bu. CD

Process. Let the element tian be the xian. From the statement we have 315 c:
....
c
for the positive shi, 36 for the negative fang, and 1 for the positive yu. .,_.
:::,

Solving this quadratic expression f 3 l we have the required xian .

:::,
en

[Notes]
[ I ] The square of the xie ( the diagonal of rectangle ) here means the square of the

xian. That is, ab + c2 = 333. ( G)

[ 2 ] That is, a + b + c = 36. ( G )

[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation: x2 - 36x + 315 = 0. ( C )

101

12. Multiply the difference between the ji and the width by the ji and subtract
from the result the sum of 5 times the width and 4 times the ji. The remainder
is equal to 279630 bu.[ 1 l It is said that the value of the numerator of the frac
tion which is one-fifth of the length, is the same as one-half the numerator of
the fraction which is equal to two-thirds of the width.l 2 l Find the length and
the width.
Ans. Width, 18 bu; length, 30 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
 [ jiff l
.lltllP: ( ab - a) ab - ( 5a
11-1 1 1-1 1 i . \;
[1 ] + 4ab) = 279630 0 ( )
[ 2] *l.I b, 3.-l.I a mi?t, 71}J1J1-J o JltRP: 3b =
1
2 ( lOa )o ( n)
[3] :ff1Jl.Jftjg: 5x4 - 3x3 - 12x2 - 9x - 503334 = 0 0 ( J*)

[ i l

1,
**,-tz-t,**z, *-t{f.Jsa*,-tz{f.J4
% , 279630 ffe o 7' j;.- * {f.J -t {f.J , -1t-* {f.J 1}-fA.,t -t {f.J 1}-f
4t<r-J} o 1aJ: *' -t:h J Y?
$.: .if 7'J 18 ffe , * 7'J 30 ffe O

;f(: itJC.- :h-t, . fJ.:hi***--1t-Wf-o 1.f jO -503334 :h -t4t,

-9 :h - ;k. SJi R-.. 4t , -12 :h -=- ;k. SJi R-.. A, -3 :h 3... ;k_ R-.. 4t, 5 :h :&. jjj ;,k_
JA, ff**, t-'fo o

13.
[ m{)t l
[i)o fa]: *,
4-fR=-K, -f, ll9JJ7\f1is-t+1\.tf;;o c 11 Rf**
3-4S- JLfiiJ?
B: 3-7\iv, K- +7\ivo
*B: Sl.JcJG-1-Jf, 5lDlR>l<Z o 1fD.J[7J7\f1is-t+ J\.:}gt(i.'Jj;, -
102
1-1-Jf' =1-lMLil, -Jgj]:IIll}, 1i*7fJfZ, ( 3) 1i'f-o {rfaJo

[ jiff l
[l ] .lltllP: ( ab) 2 - ( 2b + a) = 46578 0 ( $lS )
[2J Jttl!P: a2 = bo ( n)
[3 ) :ff1J:rt(J(Jf-tjg: x6 - 2x2 - x - 46578 = Oo ( )

[ i l
4- *' -tz:fR<r-J -'-i** ff.J 2 *..&.-t, 46578 ffe o ;; j;.--f ro * *
.ffl Ja] : * , -t 7'J J - ?
*
O

$.: -t 7'J 6 ' 7'J 36

*
.;!(: ii JG- 7'J -if- ' y jfp ;fR ::t * Wf 1l jlJ -46578 59 't . ' -1
:Y :YO

:/.J-;k. R-..A, -2:/.J..=..;k. R-..A, 1 :hlit*.t.w R-..A, *;.k.*, 1i.

1.f j1J-to # f)j-1aJ o
 503334 for the negative shi, 9 for the negative fang, and 12 for the negative
first lian, 3 for the negative last Lian, and 5 for the positive yu. Solving this
-
biquadratic expression ( 3 l we have the required width. (!)

[Notes]
[ I ] That is, ( ab - a ) ab - ( Sa + 4ab ) = 279630. ( G )

[ 2 J One-fifth of the length is f b , and two-thirds of the width is a . Make their

denominators equal, then they become i and \0; . That is, 3b = ( 10a ). ( G)
==
-=
!::::
C':

-=
en=
[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: 5.x4 - 3x3 - l 2x2 - 9x - 503334 en ::r:ai
n-=
= o. ( c)
C':
z
......
:z:
cn
13. The sum of twice the length and the width subtracted from the square of
the ji is equal to 46578 bu- 1 l; the square of the width is equal to the length( 2 l.

Find the length and the width.

Ans. Width, 6 bu; length, 36 bu.
103
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
46578 for the negative shi, 1 for the negative fang, 2 for the negative first
Lian, and 1 for the positive yu. Solving this expression ! 3 l of the sixth de
gree we have the required width.

[Notes]
[ 1 ] That is, ( ah ) 2 - ( 2b + a) = 46578. ( G )

[ 2 ] That is, a2 = b. ( G )

[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: x!' - 2x2 - x - 46578 = 0.

( c)
 14.
[ Jm)t]
fJtbo-K, =3l2-, -, Im. El*,-,=, =f, lmK,
-T.liJJ.liT J\.El Jitp- J .R z-JJl-:lJ *3t ( loJ: K, f4i-JLfiJJ?
*-
o[ Jo
1 2

El: fJi-$-, -f-tp- 0

7f:EI: if.*:7r,-:JgJJl-, :t{alfl>l<Z o {t-+1iJJ1i-=f;\.a1i:J9M, JL

:J9A1J. +lm:J9Mk. -s+=M=. ft+ ft:J9M-.
-+;\.:J9M-. -.JE. 1i*1J:Jfz, {ifo irlnJ o [JJ

[ iiff]
[ I ) Jltl!P: [ ab + b + 2a + 3 ( a + b ) + 4 ( b - a ) J 2 - [ ( a + b) + 2 ( b

- a ) + 3a + 4b ] = 155805 o ( 15 )

[ 2] Jltl!P: a2 = b _ ao ( $)

[ 3] H:1fitf19J3!Hi:Jit;f;J: x' + l + 99x4 + 162x3 + 74x2 - 9x - 155805 =

O o ( )

104
[if]
**, +zh1*. 2 *f. 3**, +z. 4**'
fz,, Jt:.tl*-, ...!-1**' +z. 2**' +z., 3*+.
4** '*1558050 .R-i;;-f.f.l:i*, fZ.!.:.ffl-fo loJ: *' f39
j ';/'?
: f jlJ 5 ffe ' * jlJ 30 ffe O

;f(; i.l.:kji:,-394", Y*.>Jt:.Wfo 1-f.ftl -155805 39't4tJ:ffi,

-9 39 - ;.k_ :tffi 4t , 74 39 .::. ;:J::. 19i 4t , 162 39 -=-;:J::. :tffi 4t , 99 39 t!!:I ;:J::.
:tffi '* 4t ' 18 39 .E. ;:J::. :tffi 4t ' 1 39 Jii. ik :tffi if.. 4t ' ft* ;:J::. ' 1t.4' .ftj f
O

#fo}f tii] O
 a,
O Q)
O
a.
CD
14. From the square of the sum of the Ji, the length, twice the width, three _s;
a
times the he, and four times the jiao subtract the sum of the he, twice the jiao,
9.
g.
three times the width, and four times the length. The remainder is equal to CD
"TI
0
155805 bu.C I l The square of the width is equal to the jiao l 2 J. Find the length c:

and the width.

Ans. Width, 5 bu; length, 30 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have

155805 for the negative shi, 9 for the negative fang, 74 for the positive
third lian, 162 for the positive second lian, 99 for the positive third lian, 18
for the positive last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu. Solving the root of this
expression ! 3 J of the sixth degree we have the required width.

[ Notes J
[ l J Thal is, [ ab + b + 2a + 3 ( a + b ) + 4 ( b - a ) ] 2 - [ ( a + b ) + 2 ( b
r; \ .

- a) + 3a + 4b] = 155805. ( G ) ...

105
[ 2 J Thal is, a2 = b - a. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: x" + 18 + 99.r + l 62x3 +

74x2 - 9x - 155805 = 0. (C)

 ll!I
15.
[ Jffix l
lffflto=-:ifl-. -$3(, EI*, -.:iJZ, tn-. 1i-tJJ1\.=ftms
+lmtvo c11 ,RJJZ-*[ Jo faJ: *' -:ifl-*JLfriJ?
2

B: -:ifl--t:$-, -K:lm+=tvo
;;ifcB: .:v.:7i::rr;--1'J3-, llffl>l<Za 1f-tJJ;\.-=fll!1s-+IIY'1M, 1i
'1M1f, =+/"1'JJ.A...t .=.+1'1M= -+ll!1:t1M=ffit. tm1'Jii1
r!lfi , - 1g iE m , nJi ffz , [ 31 1t-:ifl- ,g. raJ o 0

[ j1ff l
[ 1] Jltl!P: [ab + 3a - (b - a)] 3a + (h - a)= 78414 ($JS)
2
- 0

[ 2] Jitl!P; a = a + b ( )
2
o

[ 3] ff1f:it(l(JJ!t1"t*3:t1.I: - 4r + 14x4 - 20t' + 26x - 5x - 78414 = 00 ( )

2

,]
*, -tz3-t. 1*, -tz. m*, 3
-t, 1*' -tz. 1.ff78414ffeo 7'---tm*-*' -fz;fn
;fij 1',;J :
0 *' f ;,!,, .$ !), ?
: -t ;;ii] 7 ffe' * ;;ii] 42 3VO

106 .f..: ii.it,-)Jf, YAjj-*'*-J.t.M- 0 ,1-rf-jlj -78414;;,IJft, -5

:h - ;k_ >9i i .tt, 26 :h .=.. ;k_ >9i Jt , -20 :h 3.. ik Jgi lt , 14 :h IZ!1 ;k Pi
a, -4:hA*-. I :hA*'**jj-,4-to
1;-- P}f Jo) o

16.
[ mt:x: J
fJtha3-. i;;_*i:p**z., 1i-=fJ1J1tf7o r ,1 ,g*VJ3-1Jffz, Ji.Ji
1.fl,&3--f:;$0 f J fiiJ: *' 3-4.-JLfnJ?
2

B = --+ =-w. *= + 1iv o

;;itcB:.:v.:7i::rr;-jJ-:iJZ-,ffl*z.offl-t-=f;\.sA.==ftm1i+
'1 J.A1J, -=f __ s /\. +7\J;J ...t-, = s fL + Ej;J M.=ffit, .=.+ J\.j;J
r1fl, -iE, ll!131tnffZ, r J 1lf!-o 1i-fi:iJo 3
 -...
OJC-
O P.l
O Q.
. 15. Add to theji three times the width and subtract from the sum thejiao; after <D

squaring the remainder subtract the sum of three times the width and the jiao.
The result is equal to 78414 bu. r I l The square of the width is equal to the hec 2 1. -
Find the length and the width. - ,,
<D

0
c:
Ans. Width, 7 bu; length, 42 bu. c
:::::,

:::::,
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
:::,
78414 for the negative shi, 5 for the negative fang, 26 for the positive first Cl)

Lian, 20 for the negative second Lian, 14 for the positive third Lian, 4 for the
negative last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression l 3 l of the sixth
degree whose root is the required width.

[Notes]
[ I ] That is, [ ab + 3a - ( b - a ) ] 2 - 3a + ( b - a ) = 78414. ( G )

[ 2 ] That is, a 2 = a + b. ( G )
[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: X' - 4x- + I 4X" - 20x3 + 26x2
- 5x - 78414 = 0. (C)

107

16. The product of the sum of the ji and the width by one-half of the length is
equal to 3900 bu.r I l It is said that the square root of the length is less than the
width by 7 bu.! 2 J Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, 12 bu; length, 25 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
7800 for the negative shi, 2450 for the positive fang, 1386 for the negative
first Lian, 295 for the positive second Lian, 28 for the negative last Lian, and
 [jiff]
[ I ] lfl*l!P*o !ltl!P: ( ab + a) x 1 b = 39000 ( )
[ 2 J Jltf!P: a - [i; = 7 o ( )
[ 3 ]ff7fB9J!M1-\:1-J: x5 - 28.x4 + 295x3 - 1386x2 + 2450x - 7800 = Oc ( )

[A,]
*
4'-1f *-, f-z;a11f-, y:.{ v.i-+ *z, 1.f 3900 ffe O f{ *lf.J-f- 1t{.tt
-t '.Y. 7 -ffe o 1.;J: *, -tJJ j '.Y?
$ : -f- jJ 12 ffe ' * ;h 25 ffe O

i.tkn:..-h-t, 1f.f1]-7800:h-ta, 2450

*-, -1386 *- 295
;f(: y-:Jlo***-Wf-o
-28
**- IhA**- A*. tf-o Mo
j;->k39i jJ ..::..;k39i j; ..=-.ik'1i . j; tW

17.
[ J:ffi)t ]
m-. =. m*z, -* =. x*z.-+
n-t-=f =s -- t o [I] ,R f i:J..ll.:1Y3fZ, IJ*%Z-o [ 21 l'oJ: *,
312- JLfnJ?
El: 3JLJ\., --+=o
#EI: .ll.7(JG-:1-J3f:1r. IJlR>ltZol-n==r=s-t J\.1-Jft,
. 1L1JM_tlfi, --1-JM._Jll, --t+=:1-JM.li!ll, 1-JM-t. --tJ\.19
I .'

,.. ---.)i!;
iE. l'-*1r3fZ, l 3 l qi=. t:!P3f:1ro r-z,
ij*o itloJo
108
[jiff]
!ltl!P: I [ ab + ( a + b ) + 3 ( b - a ) J ( ab) - [ b + 2 ( b - a ) ] I b =
[ l ]
147216 0 (!J!S)
[ 2] !ltf!P: 3/a = b o C )
( 3] jf1.fB<JJ!Mft: 18x9 - 6x8 + 7U' + x4 - 9x2 - 12268 = Oo ( )

[ A, l
4'*,f-z1*lf.J*, f-z. 3*lf.J*-,-f-.tA, *z,
J:}.J,ffl-tt-}*21-g-lf.J-!(;:, -f-z,, X..YA-!(;:Jtl.Z, J.lf-147216-ffeo R-:i."f-{f.J
-*lf.J!oM: *,f-;hj?
$: -t jJ 8 -ffe"' -!(:Ji 12 ffe
1.rf.ftl -12268 Ji '*'.tt_
O

;f(: i_ik}(:..-j; ft, Y-kc,,bt**-Jt.Wf.o

, -9 :h..::. ;k i a, 1 Ji tW ik i a, 12 :h.* ik i a, -6 JJ i'
'Yi
ik . 18 :h jijik'9i ia. :lt.ik, 1.lf.t,J 2 -::v, :tt.Jto
y 6 *' 1 1-1" .flj * 0 - Ji,r 1.;J O
 OJC.....
8
;:,,;- (I)
I for the positive yu. Solving this expression f 3 lof the fifth degree we have
a
- :s:::
the required width.
Q.
=:!'

"TI
[ Notes l 0
c:

[ 1 ] The middle half is one-half. That is ( ah + a ) x b = 3900. ( G )

( 2 ] That is, a - {b = 7. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x5 - 28x4 + 295x3 - l 386x 2

+ 2450x - 7800 = 0. ( C )

17. Multiply the sum of the ji, the he and three times the jiao by the ji and
subtract the length and twice the jiao; multiply this remainder by the length the
product is equal to 147216 bu l 11. It is said that the cube root of the width is
equal to one-sixth the length [ 2 J. Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 12 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the cube root of the width. From the state-
ment we have 12268 for the negative shi, 9 for the negative first lian, I for 109
the positive third lian, 72 for the positive fifth lian, 6 for the negative seventh
Lian, and 18 for the positive yu. Solving this expression r 3 l of the ninth de
gree we have 2 for its root, 6 times this root is the required length.

[ Notes l
[ 1 ] That is,l [ ab + ( a + b ) + 3 ( b - a ) ] ( ab ) - [ b + 2 ( b - a ) ] I b =

147216. ( G)
[ 2 ] That is, 3/a = b . ( G )
[ 3] The expression in modern form is the equation: 18x9 - 6x8 + 72x6 + x" - 9x2

- 12268 = 0. ( C )
 18.
c mtx J
ffl. z.ffl.. z..ffl-+tt-u
*+=$- o( I] .R1gM, lm'1M-1f, _J:,,M.J-.!Jfft. =.:1gr-. -
1giE. =*:n:ffz, llJJl-lm?tZ-o r 21 faJ: *' 1JZ-4-JL1PJ?
B: f-+=$-, *-+$-o
*B:-7f1fft,jQffl*Zoffl-+tt-s*+=:1g
.12!1:1gM1J,_1g,M.k.-s=+A:1gM.=.imsA+li:1g
M. = .lis+1m:1gim.lis-+=:1gM.li.=s;+im
A,-sA+M.t.A+12!1:1gr.-+A:1g.
:n:ffz. l l i-tv-, :;lg7f1ftto 12YZ, 11P1!Z-o itf0J o
3

[jiff]
[ I ] J1t !!P : [ ab ( a + b ) - ab ] a + ( a + b ) = 177162 o ()

[ 2] Jlt!!P: w4 - 2w3 + 3w2 - 4w - ( a + b) = 0 e<J.tR w = ! a0 ( )

[3] 7f:n.ite<Jm!f\:%i-t1-J:
16x 10 - 64x9 + 160x8 - 384x7 + 512x6 - 544x5 + 465x 4 + I 26x3 + 3x2 - 4x
- 177162 = O o ()
110

[]
*, +z. *, +z. *, +. +z.
/J11 * , -t z;f\,. 1-- 111162 -ffe o .R -i..- v). *, -t z;f\, .;iJ 'tft, -4 .;iJ -
ik..i,.ft, 3jl]-=..iklt, -2.;iJ.=..,k..i,.ft, l /J:ifl;k..i,.ft, :Jt
*-*-tJoM: *'-t/JJ?
$- : -t Ii 12 -ffe ' * Ii 30 -ffe O

: n:,-jl]-Jt*ft, YA'.$fl'.1***-Jt.Nf 0 ,1fj1J-177162/J'tft,

-4 /} - ik_ >ffi .i,.ft, 3 /} ..=.. ik. .tJi .i,. ft, 126 /J .=.. ik. ft, 465 IJ VSI ik.
.i,.ft, -544 /ili.ik.J:M .i,_ft, 512 /J-r-,k. .i,_ft, -384 ;9-l:;,k.J:M .i,.
ft, 160 jlJ i\.. ik ft. -64 jg JL,k.J:M -ft, 16 jg:&.*- .i,_ft, -Jt
;k.*,3-ffe,-Jtfto4,fffoMo
18. If the product of the ji and the he minus the jibe multiplied by the width
and the he be added the result is equal to 177162 bu.r I l It is said if we take the
he for the negative shi, 4 for the negative fang, 3 for the positive first Lian, 2
for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu of an expression of the
fourth degree the root of the expression is equal to one-fourth of the width.! 2 l
Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, 12 bu; length, 30 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the root of the given expression. From the -=
:D=
n
en
en
=
statement we have 177162 for the negative shi, 4 for the negative fang, 3
cS
enm-<
for the positive first Lian, 126 for the positive second Lian, 465 for the posi
n
::z:
tive third Lian, 544 for the negative fourth Lian, 512 for the positive fifth
......
:z
en
Lian, 384 for the negative sixth Lian, 160 for the positive seventh Lian, 64
for the negative last Lian, and 16 for the positive yu , an expression l 3 J of
the tenth degree with 3 for its root. Multiplying this root hy 4 we have the
required width.
111

[ Notes l
[ I J That is. [ ab ( a + b ) - ab ] a + ( a + b ) = 177162. ( G )

[ 2 ] That is. w = a is one root of the equation w" - 2w3 + 3w2 - 4w - ( a + b )

= 0. ( G)

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: J 6x 10 - 64x9 + J 60x8 - 384x7

+ 512x6 - 544x 5 + 465x' + 126.x3 + 3.\..z - 4x - 177162 = 0. ( C)

 I 1.
[ mt3t)
1iEBfR, :/Jo#.4;,J, f-ll, *Z, #-4;,J, +-t$ or 1 JQ
zrN-ffl-= +$ r 2 Jo l'iiJ: 4-KJLfi:iJ?
B: --+ _zvo
#B: r.jc7G-1Ji4-K, :tiofR>l<Zo l-=n-=T-Ef-t-t-1\.1liE,
nT-a-=+n.sn+nML.=+M.-11IE
irM, =*n:ffz, r J i#.4o -frl'iiJo
3

,, [ -)
.
I

i&tl[mtt.:qt.jj a'
J
*1J b, #-1-J Co .11.tP: c2 - i ( ab + c2
'

r-.,.
( 1] - a2 ) = 67 0

112 ($IS)

( 2] *x*6.fllt!P4 9*, za9.fll o JltRP: c + ( b - a) = 20 0 ( )

[3] :Jf:1fi.ta<JlHtAJ1: x4 - 30x3 + 499x2- 5320x + 22178 = Oo ()

[if]
4Ah#.*+.-+. *#.
67ffeo A-#*, +Wffe o M: 1rJ#*n%

:13-ffeo
;f(: -i9:Jt.- n .!i.. r1 $'1 *, A ;;f?- ;:!-.,jlWf-o 1ltl 22178 n 'tM:
J:gi, -s320 n-;J:. i, 499 n ..::.;x.J:Ji i M:, -Jon ..=-.;x.J:gi i lt, 1
nAl. ffQ*. #* o MMo
 Hun Ji Wen Yuan ( Problems on Plane
Figures)
::::r
18 Problems
,,
0
c:

1. Divide the area of a rectangle plus the square of a diagonal minus the square
of the width by 2 and subtract from the quotient the square of the diagonal.
The result is equal to 67 bu. l I l The sum of the diagonal and the jiao is equal

to 20 bu l 2 J. Find the diagonal. -=

n c::
en =
Ans. 13 bu. en =
:s:a ::s:a
n<
en
Process. Let the element tian be a diagonal of the rectangle. From the state c::,

n
::z:
ment we have 22178 for the positive shi, 5320 for the negative fang, 499 z:
for the positive first Lian, 30 for the negative last lian, and 1 for the positive
en
....
....
yu, an expression! 3 bf the fourth degree whose root is the required diagonal.

113

[Notes]
[ I J Let the width of the rectangle be a, the length b, the diagonal c. That is, c2 -
I ( ab + c2 a2 ) = 67. ( G )
2 -

[ 2 J The sum of the diagonal and the jiao is the sum of the diagonal and the differ

ence between the length and the width. That is, c + ( b - a ) = 20. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x4 - 30x3 + 499x2 - 5320x

+ 22178 = 0. (C)
 2.
[ Jffi:x: l
:nEBif. :tmi4* [ 11 1.ffliJ. *'":noo*z. tT!!t:niffi. ==F---ts
--t+nv-o r 21 fiiJ: JriffifLM?
El: -+nv-o
7'cB: :5L*-7t-'11Jftif, OlR>l<Zo 1f-n-=fJ\.s--t+n:tJM,
li'11f, :-----+-'1Mli, n:tJiE. 1I.1JJfz, r 11f:niffio laJo3

[ jiff l
[ 1] tl".:1-'ii1-t:nm,n i1iJtt:JjJ 5: 7o ( )
[2] "ii:1flil.ill*1Ja, Jftf!P (a +; a - 4a) a - a = 27750 ()
2

[ 3 J :ff:1fA1J1-tIDA1J: 5x3 - 13x 2

-5x - 13875 = Oo ( llffi)

[if)
ro*#*.*ro*,.Jt**z*
*, 2775 iV" o 1oJ: ro*;li i .'Y'?
114
$: 15iV"c
'*-=
i.tJt-;liro* y).lY.**--1tWfo 1Jf-J1J-13875 ;h"f
4t, -5 JJ-;k i. -13 ;l]..::..,k i. 5 ;li Jflik i4t, -Jt
. ro-!ca MMa

3.
[:x:J
JN:EB,l,R, 1JU5tllllll, 1!-sll!l+$0 l l ft-zJIN:-+-t:!:P- 21
1

j'ii] : JN:JLfijJ?
0

B: =+lmtf7o
;;icB: "JL*-7t-7'.11N:, :tlalR>l<Zo 1411:JJ--t=f-lZ!lsll!l+JgiE, ;\..=f
-S:n. lZ!ls+--tMLti,=+JgMr. -JgiE . .
*JffFZ, [ 1fJN:o fiiJo
3
)
2. If the square of a side of a square plus a diagonal[ 1 l minus the perimeter be
n1ultiplied by the side and then the side subtracted from the product. The
result is equal to 2775 bu.r 2 l Find the side of the square.
Ans. 15 bu.
c
:,
Process. Let the element tian be a side of a square. From the statement we -:,,,:;
:,

:,
have 13875 for the negative shi, 5 for the negativefang, 13 for the negative en

Lian, and 5 for the positive yu, a cubic expression l 3 l whose root is the
required side of the square.

side 15 bu

[Notes]
[ I ] In ancient times the ratio of a side of a square to a diagonal was taken as

5 to 7. ( C)
115
[ 2] Let a side of the square be a. That is, ( a2 +2 a - 4a) a - a = 2775. ( G)
5
[ 3) The expression in modem form is the equation: 5x3 - 13x2 - 5x - 13875 =

0. ( C)

3. In a right triangle, the sum of theji and the xian he he is equal to 140 bu;[ l
the difference between the gou and the gu is 17 bu [ 2 l. Find the gu.

Ans. 24 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the gu. Fro1n the statement we have 97440
for the positive shi, 8300 for the positive Jang, 467 for the negative first

Lian, 26 for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression r 3 l
 - 11 + In*'
..g

.,.

[ ff l
[ I ] Jltf!P: i ab + [ c + ( a + b)] = 140 0 ( !}IS )

[ 2 J f!P : b - a = I 7 o ( )

[3] ff:n:a'.;J\:J:t: x4 - 26x-1 - 467x2 + 8300x + 97440 = 0 0 ( !* )

4'- -1f iv Rt ro iii ;f?-;/Jp #: ;fp ;fp , 1l 140 -ffe o -i-" iJ Rt;h 1 7 -ffe o 1oJ : Rt;h
j '.J,'?

;f(: -iA:,- ;ilJ Jlt, :.(-:!(o;f?-*.,jl.1--Nf o 1--.flj 97440 jlJ 't ft19t, 8300

116 ;h-ik -. -467 jl].::..;k_>9! li, -26;h..=..ik.19t ft. 1 ;hiliik.

-' ik. 4.n!o o

4.
[ )ffl )t l
B3l.R. 1111,J\ [ 1 1, *1mi. ,J\1m1*z, q.tJim-f--sli+=
v-a r 2 1 ..R L"j;;:lmJEciE-KfL, t-p,J\lm]l!9o c 3 lfcJ: =.Im!&* JLfoJ?
EJ: j;;:lmJ-+h, lj\lm]-+=., .iE*=.+lio
*B:-Jgj;;:imJ,toffl*zollY-f-h+ima.Ji+Jga
1J, _Jg}AI{t, -Jgif, :i[1Jff-Z, 4
C l qfj;;:lmJo ii"l'cJo


(D
of the fourth degree whose root is the required gu. _ ::.
s:::
gu 24 bu ....
a
=r
(D
"T1
0
c:
c
::,

::,

::,
en

[Notes]

[ 1 ] That is, i ab + [ c + ( a + h)] = 140. ( G)

[2] Thatis,b - a= 17. (G)

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x4 - 26x-' - 467x2 + 8300x

+ 97440 = 0. ( C )

117

4. The area of a trapezoid plus the xiao kuo C I l minus the da kuo and the re
mainder multiplied by the xiao kuo is equal to 4152 bu.[ 2 l It is said that the da
kuo is less than the zheng chang by 9 bu, but exceeds the xiao kuo by 4 bu.[ 3 l
Find the da kuo, xiao kuo, and zheng chang.
Ans. Da kuo, 16 bu; xiao kuo, 12 bu; zheng chang, 25 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the da kuo of the trapezoid. From the
statement we have 4064 for the negative shi, 50 for the negative fang, 3 for
 [ j!ff l
[ 1 J 1J,;'J.;%J:. :*tm!.1fFm;, iE*:1-Jjll:jo ( )

[ 2] EiliE { 1Lt1I1t:*} i:p:1iJ1HBEB o ;Jtffiiffl, 1J,lmJ, :*lffil, iE *?t

}JljjJ S, a, b, h, { JL*} ft tl:J 1Jffiiffl0:r.t:1-J S = 1 ( a + b) ho Jltl!P: [ 1(a
+ b ) h + a - b ] a = 4152 0 ( n)
[3] J.ltf!P: h - b = 9, a + 4 = bo ( $l5 )
[ 4] :ff1f:r.tl'f{JJJIH"t%:1-J: x3 + 3x2 - 50x - 4064 = Oo ( )

( '9- l
/.} ,t" tr-J ii, ;fP-;IJr, ,J, Jlij , ;A-!- .:k.lli] , '* M: , -It f}_ , J, llij jft Z , .{f .flJ 415 2
-ffe O .R -i. :k. Jiij J:t. ..if.* ;.Y 9 ' J;t. IJ' Iii] J 4 -ffe O 1"1 : :k. liiJ ' J' Jiij 2l ..if.
I * ;li
j :J,?
118 $: :k.lliJ 16 ffe' ,J,Jlij 12 iE* 25 ffe
ffe. O

: -;l}k, ;fP-**- 0 Jd-4064;lJ.

-50 ;li-,k i. 3 ;li ..::..,k iM:. 1 ;li lit ;k_ i. :1t ..=-,k,

1tAl J1J :k. lli} o #- rJr 1"1 o

5.
[ Jffi)t l
1 2 3
mffl, [Q-!f[ 1, Ji+ o r 1 RlmJ;JJ, -lf:0
[
l

fllJ : -L , m*JLfiiJ?
ftB: !ml-+.=. -!f.=+1io

*B=*-**joffl*Zoffl.=_fi. -+7f.
4
-i, 3Jl-7J}FZ, ( ) ij-!f o iflcJ o
 the positive Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, a cubic expression ( 4 l whose
root is the required da kuo .

..s c
v
zheng chang 25 bu :::,

v :::,

:::,
en
. . . . . . . . . .

[Notes]
[ I ] The xiao kuo, small width, is the upper base; the da kuo, great width, the

lower base; and the zheng chang, the altitude of the trapezoid. ( C )

[ 2 ] A trapezoid is called xie tian or Ji tian in The Nine Chaprers of Marh-

emarical Procedures. Let its area, xiao kuo, da kuo, and zheng chang be S, a, b, h,

the area formula in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures is S = ( a +

b)h.Thatis, [ i(a+b)h+a-b]a=4152. (G)

[ 3 ] That is, h - b = 9, a + 4 = b. ( G )
119
[ 4 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 + 3x2 - 50x - 4064 = 0.
( c)

5. The difference between the area of a gui tian and four times the length ( 1 l
is equal to 50 bJ 2 l; and the difference between the square of the jiao and the
square of the width is equal to the length ( 3 l, Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, 12 bu; length, 25 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the length of the gui tian. From the
statement we have 200 for the negative shi, 17 for the negative Jang,
 [ ttff l
[ 1] ffilJ*;tflll=ttrma9, lffl.):1-:,J{f;, j@jB<J o ()
[ 2] ic;J:tffiilft, , *0-WJjJ S, a, b, {Jt-;.f(} 1rEB$tiliffiilft0J:t:
s =t,bo Jitl!P: J ab - 4b = 500 ( n)
[ 3 ] Jltl!P: ( b - a) 2 - a2 = b 0 ( $)
[ 4] H:nJ:tir-JftJ:t;f;J: x2 - 17x - 200 ::: 0 0 ( )

[ 4- l
*:tro4** *50ffea :tror-J*, A*
. -*a M: *' f?
$. : Iii] 12 -ffe , -le 25 -ffe o
120 ;if(: i1:;it- : gJ r-J *, 1.ff j1J -200 'f 4't.19i,
YA :!t11;t;;} *-Jt:.Nf- 0

-17 -;k_>fli -' 1 jJ ik19i i' -Jt-f- ' 11f f1J :t trJ lr-J 0 ,ff *
Ji)j"/o] 0

6.
[ Jffi 3t ]
EB. or-. r*, :::fJE=+* 11 R KP-Jm:ho-jt:,
IV-*',
o(

.ifl-1J:ffz. fffi, lmo [

21
l'i:iJ: -K, j-1}JLfPJ?
EJ: j-+J\t};-, -ff-=+llYo
*B=*-*'*Zo-;\.+nrr. -=n+
nM1r, n+;\.b\...t!Al. --+-tM"F!Al. -rr, =1rtf
z, ( 3 J 11!-J if fll]
O 0
 and 1 for the positive yu, a quadratic expression [ 4 l whose root is the
required length.

[Notes]
[ 1 ] The length of the gui tian is the altitude of the isosceles triangle; the width the

base , and the jiao the difference between the altitude and the base. ( C )

[ 2] Let its area, width, and length be S, a, b. The area formula was given by

the chapter of fang tian( surveying of land )of The Nine Chapters of Mathematical

Procedures: S = ; ab. That is, 1 ab - 4b = 50. ( G )

[ 3 ] That is, ( b - a ) 2 - a2 = b. ( G )

[ 4 ] The expression in modern form is the equation : x2 - 17x - 200 = 0. ( C )

121

6. The sum of the area of a suo tian and the square of the width is less than the
square of the length by 36 bu,C I land 1 be added to the length, the square root
of the sum is less than one-half of the width by 4 bu l 2 l. Find the length and
the width.
Ans. Width, 18 bu; length, 24 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be one-half of the width of the suo tian. From
the statement we have 189 for the positive shi, 255 for the negative fang,


JC
.3i
!.I

( jtff]
[ 1] EBf.!P%o i1-JXt1fl. -Lt1-J*;,(;j"fflo i&:EBij}a, it1-Jb,
1
r.)t;000,1g s = J abo .dtf.!P: b2 - C ab + a2 ) = 36 0 C n)
[ 2] JltRP: i a - lb + 1 = 4o < n)
[ 3 ] :1f:fj1Jft%1-J: x" - 17x3 + 98x2 - 255x + 189 = Oo ( J* )

( 4- l
\!J ** 36ffeo **l,
*r-+. 4ffeo =*' j!Jj?
$ = r 1 s ffe , 24 ffe o *
*=-}!]\!lr-+. **Mots9
4t*, -255}!]-ik*t. 9gj!J.=..;k_*4t., -17}!];..,k..tJi.tt.. 1
122 j!Jit_,k* t.tt., if-ik' 1t.1fJ1Jwr-+o #-'*"J,frfolo

7.
[ Jffi3t l
=t4EB. i:pJHt, -t+* o(
11 R 1r$ri:pJN:JL, i:f:tJN:
}k!J\= o lciJ: i:pJRJLfnJ?
[2l

s: J\.P"o

*s: 1'z:.Jcn-:1'1i:J=iJR, llfR>l<Zo rt-{Z. -=t=sll9f-ll9JJ !"--=f-t

sll9J;J.-ts=:n_-=fAs-+*n.1\+1m:n_-=t=s
-t-7\J;JJAJ:, = +-tH 1\-=f-t a/,+ 1\:h 1i -=f =s--t+M.-=-1*.

-t5t J;JJ.A_fAl, ll9s1L+1tJ;J"FJJ!, irn-t-1L1-J. li

3
1imI ( ]

*n:fFZ, C 4
l rt'f!Jlio ii"IBlo
 98 for the positive first Lian, 17 for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the
positive yu, an expression ( 3 l of the fourth degree whose root is the one-
half of the required width.

-=
,:a =
en
C':t ::::

[ Notes l en =,:a

[ I ] A suo tian, a piece of land in the form of a shuttle, is a momboid. The width is the en =
;:; -<

short diagonal, and the length the long diagonal. Let the width of the suo tian be a, and the :a:z
C'":I

length b. Obviously, the area formula is S =..! ab. That is, b2

2
- (_l ab
2
+ a2) = 36. ( G) ...
[2] Thatis, ..1. a /b+ l = 4. (G)
2
[ 3 ) The expression in modem form is the equation: X" - l 7x3 + 98.r - 255x +

189 = 0. (C)
123

7. The area of a san xie tian minus the zhong gu equals 76 bu.C I l It is said that
the zhong xie exceeds the zhong gu by 9 bu; and the zhong gu is less than the
xiao xie by 2 bu.C 2 l Find the zhong gu.
Ans. 8 bu.
Process. Let the element rian be the zhong gu. From the statement we have
133448704 for the negative shi, 7023616 for the negative fang, 843296 for
the positive first Lian, 278768 for the positive second Lian, 5371 bu 7 fen 5
Ii r 3 1 for the positive third Lian, 495 for the negative last Lian, and 49 for the
 . . . . . .

[ff]
[ I J=>tf:Hf!P7FJti=:M,&; r:pJN:fe; r:pj>tfe=Jtlr:f=r;J\"=f-:kU2ffif:k=f1J\Jtla{J
Jti; :kalllg:;A:Jti; IJ\i4fe1J\Jtl o W:=fEEIB1J:k4"7 a, "t'f1"7 b, !j\f-4"7 c, lflJN"7
h, fiii;k) So Jltf!P: s - h = 76 0 ( )

[ 2] lltf!P: b - h = 9, c - h = 2 o ( $JS )
[3] n-f--e-t+-tv-l:::5t1iJIJs371.75W o JL "iv" rZ5t, JJL 1:Jffi+
f
itl:1J\J!l o t:J "?t'\ "ffl", ''i ', "ff'." JFMltiiLZrlf:l-titl:1J\J:'i(l{J1:fil:=f ( 111\
-=fjf:r}}o ()
[ 4] 7f1fj.\:a<J:Je.1-t.it"7: -49x6 - 495x5 + 5371. 75x4 + 278768x3 + 843296x2
- 7023616x - 133448704 = 0 0 ( )

[ 4-]
;..#t,76ffe o Y-t#Jrt9ffe,tYT
124 ,J,# 2 ffe ial: lf ,$ :J,?
O

;i(.: iix_.ft- lf , ::J.,to;f};***-Nfo 1,-.flj -133448704 'ttl

, -7023616 -;k itt, 843296 =-*-'95. tt. 278768.E..;k
'95.itt, 5371.75;x39titt. -495.E..*-R':.tt, -49Jil;k.
-. ***-*, tldtfo +Ro

8.
[ mtx 1
;;(:j"-tJ_JN:tm1\.1JJEEJffl[ 1 1, ffiHmL El. 1.mz. oolmJ;JJ. =n
--t-=-sJ\.+=:n?tZ-o 2
1 loJ: 4iffiiim!JLfoJ?
El: +=o
 negative yu. Solving this expression f 4 I of the sixth degree we have the
required zhong gu.
=s'

N ....
c:
;:::,..
c
0,::
0,::
.,_.
:::,
:::,
!::: 0
:;;
da xie :::,
C/)

[Notes]
[ I ] A san xie tian, three obliques, is a scalene triangle; the zhong gu, middle leg, is

the latitude; the zhong xie, middle oblique, the mean side; da xie, great oblique, the great

side; xiao xie, small oblique, the small side. Let san xie tian 's da xie be a, the zhong xie b,

the xiao xie c, the zhong gu h, the area S. That is, S - h = 76. ( G )

[ 2 ] That is, b - h = 9, c - h = 2. ( G )

[ 3 ] 5371 bu 7 fen 5 Ii refers to 537 I. 75 bu. Thefen and Ii following bu both refer to

decimal fractions. The method of using.fen, Ji, hao and si to denote the decimal fraction

following an integral unit is derived from The Master Sun 's Mathematical Manual.( G ) 125

[ 4) The expression in modem form is the equation: -49 - 495.x-' + 5371. 75.r

+ 278768x3 + 843296x2 - 7023616x - 133448704 = 0. ( C)

8. Add to the area of gou-3-gu-4 octagon l I lthe fourth power of its side then
subtract from the sum the square of the side; the remainder thus obtained

equals 2 I 283 bu.l 2 l Find a side of the octagon.

Ans. 12 bu.
 *B: .1L.7(J"G-:1-JOOZ!m1, 3Ul3-1<Zo 1i-+JJ7\Tlrnff-+7\19
, -+1LJ.1M.J:tt, li:1-JiE. *1fJfz, 3) 1t43}00zlffll o -%loJ o
I
c
I c, 82 bc
- -'- - - - L - - _!1_ - -- L
I I a
'I -t- I I
83 I A I 81
- 111'1
I - I
I
- 1r -
- - -
- -,I -- -- -I -
,- r:
I CJ1 . 84 1C4

[ ttff J

f!P : s
[ 2] "=
[ 1 J-1'-_JN:(J]/\.jfJ83-1'-*illffla<J/\.1flEl o a: b: C = 3: 4: 5 o ( )
13 " llP =7X. !])-ftp lm7X1i o ic.J\.1h El B'9ffii'1 s,
I
+ x4 - x2 = 21283 5 o ( )
ffii!ml'1 x, Jtt

[3] 7f1f(tJmftJB1'J: 5x4 + l9x2 - 106416;;; 0 0

-il1.lll:
x = 1\.1h 83a-uio EB _t;tooa<J111PJ%1 a = 4_; , 3
b = ; o

A a<Jffii.:J.J A = x2

[ B 1 + B2 + B3 + B4] 1'.19ffim
2
= lx , [ C1 + C2 + C3 + C4 ] B'9iffimif.J:'h x 2

1\./h m B'9iffiffl =-
24x2
126 5- o

1x2
EB*ttttl:la<Jllii:iPJt 2 + x4 - x2 = 212831
x4 24x2 :::: 106416
9.,\t +
5 5
5x4 + l9x2 - 106416 = 0 0
2
[ c, + c2 + c3 + C4 J a<JffHifeffi:'h i5x2, .B.1fW!.ili:115x4 + 1 s.&x2 - 106416 =
O o ( )

[]
+ :f.f 1:J ;. J1t l?!l 69 /'-. jtJ W 69 ti1 ;f?-/JP ti1 Iii) 69 4 ;k_ , iiJ iJ , 21283 ffe o

lo] : 4ij:: tiI Iii} ;/;J $ '.), ?


::,,,;- a>
Process. Let the element tian be a side of the octagon. From the statement -..3:;
we have 106416 for the negative shi, 19 for the positive first Lian, and 5 for ...
a
=s-
the positive yu, an expression r 3 l of the fourth degree whose root is the ,,
a>
0
c:
required side of the octagon. c
::,
;:,,.
::,
I I
c
c, B2 bc ::,
- -'- - - - L - _ .:1_ _ _ _ L
a
I I I I
, side 12 , I I
bu BJ I A I B,
I
- -,I - - - - Ir - I
-,- -B- - r.C4-
-CJ
I 4 I

[Notes]
[ l ] A gou-3-gu-4 octagon is an octagon which has its sides equal and the ratio of
a : b : c as the ratio of 3 : 4 : 5. ( C)

[ 2] The Chinese characters "San Zi Cheng" means that the side of the octagon
multiplies itself three times. That is the fourth power of the side. Let the area of the octa
gon be S, and its side x. That is, S + x4 - x2 = 21283 . ( G )
[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation: 5.x:l + l 9x2 - I 06416 = 0.
127
The equation is derived as follows.
Let x = a side of the octagon.
From the figure in the right side on the top, a = 4; , b = 3; .

Area of A = x2
14x2
Area of [ B, + B1 + B3 + 84 ] =
5
Area of [ C1 + C1 + C3 + C4 ] = x2, approximately.
Total area of the octagon is 24x2

5
From the author's statement we have
24X + x4 - x2 = 21283
2

5
. .4 24x2 106416
or ..l +
5 5
or 5.r + I9x2 - 106416 = o.
 , 19 ;il] .::.. ik t .ft , 5 ;il] Jil ik. fr.. .ft , -ff l!:!i ;k_ , 1tAl .t1J .f.f 1oJ
::! a!] * ti, -t lliJ O

9.

::k,=?tz=,
[ Jffi)t ]
-,EEJ[ 1, :/Jai:p,=Jtz-, 1
x11111J\1tm?tz=,
L": =,'
iE*/,:5tz:li, :*, t;AiE*i:f=i-**z, -l.f:li=f;'\.s;'\.+ J'\.o r 21 ,R
* iE*' 110=' 1:1; tm1:J)A1J' -1:JJ:AJJrl' -1:JJ:A' JI
1J1fz, #Ai:fl,, l:J1J\Jmo JZ.:ff1Iflll4';=5-tz-, ::k1J\1=
zP" o [J] l'iiJ ! -ff, '* JLfoJ?
E3: 1J\J-+Atv-, i:J=i,-+.=tv, ::k,---t-;'\., iE*tm--f-;'\.o
*S: fLxJG-1:Tffnft, fiOffl.;}(Zof-+1Lnt(a1i+7\'1M.,
-=a +/\1'11A1r, -=f1L1-JJAJ:.ffi!, na;'\.1:IJ:A=Lfi, tms=+:n
1-Jffli.=st+t1-J-. +1-JJ:ATffli,=+-1-JJA.A
*1I1fz. [ 1itm' j.J1f1Jflo itfolo
4
)

128 ;.., """

r
r <t>
I!( ID ,f- < fl :;:
-t-
'"' r *

[jiff]
[ l] =r-rnw-t-...tffl..:.f'llft-(fJ%1lB9$lti%o ( '*)

J
[ 2 ic.--:, :k_j,EB 1.Jiif, iE 1J,r, If' r, *#}}1J:19 s, a, b, c, h, .tltl!P:
l 2 3 5 1
( S + 2 c - 3 a + 4 b - 6 h ) x 2 h = 158880 ( 1'11l)
'11>

[3] 5t3Jtff:1f:i:-\ w 3
+ w2 + 4w = ( a + b + c + h + 2) 139 w, .tltl!P w + c =
b, w ::::: j C, a - b = 2 o ( $1S )
 24x2
The exact value of [ C 1 + C2 + C3 + C4 ] is and the equation ought to be 5x4
25
+ 18.8x2 - 106416 = 0. ( C)

9. The area of a san guang tian [ 1 l plus one-half of the zhong guang, minus c
:::,
;>It"
two-thirds of the da guang, plus three-fourths of the xiao guang, minus five :::,

:::,
sixths of the zheng chang, and the result multiplied by one-half of the zheng U>

chang is equal to 15888 bu.! 2 l If we take the sum of the three guang, the zheng
chang, and 2 for the positive shi, 4 for the positive fang, 1 for the positive lian,
and 1 for the positive yu of a cubic expression, its root with the zhong guang is
equal to the xiao guang. The root is also equal to one-third of the zhong guang.
The difference between the da guang and the xiao guang is 2 bu.[ 31 Find all the
guang and the chang.
Ans. Xiao guang, 16 bu; zhong guang, 12 bu; da guang, 18 bu; zheng
chang, 48 bu.
.,
Process. Let the element tian be the root of the expression. From the state-
129
1nent we have 190656 for the negative shi, 236 for the positive fang, 1009
for the positive first Lian, 908 for the positive second Lian, 425 for the nega
tive third Lian, 277 for the negative fourth Lian, 40 for the positive last Lian,
and 21 for the positive yu , an expression l 4 l of the seventh degree whose
root, 4 bu, is the required root.

 [4J ff1JAB9JJ.llft%.:it1-J: 2lx7 + 40x6 - 277x5 - 425x4 + 908.x3 + 1009.r +
236x - 190656 = Oo ( )

(]
r tf1 a(] iir , .mi t r a(] , ;A *- r al.J , .mi ,J, r al.J ! , ;)\ .iE. * a(]
*"-=-

, x.a*.-J..iE.*e(J , 1.f 1s888 = .--;.*-r, it r, ,1,r,

0

.iE. * 2 a(] ;19 '*"a.1j! , 4 ;19 - ik. .1j! i a . 1 ;19 -=- ik .1j! i a, 1 ;19 ill ik.
1Ji i , it .ft.* o Jt. tit it r :z ;f'l2 -t ,J, r . x. , Jt. tit. t r fl-J
+:.tfl, *' ,J,i zA:h 2 "!fro 1oJ: *-r, 1r r, ,J,r ... .iE.*jlJ i :.Y?
$: ,J,r 16 ffe. t r 12 ffe. *-r 18 , .iE.* 4s ffe o

: j,kJC,- jlJ it*4t-, .--:!fc,:fR*-*-Jt.o 1l.f1J-190656;h 'fa,

236 jlJ - ik JJi i a. 1009 jlJ -=-*-1li i At, 908 jlJ-=- ik.1Ji i . -42s jlJ

e9 ;k. 1Ji i . -211 ;19 .a ik. i a . 40 ;19 * ik.1Ji i a , 21 :h Al ik.

-, it*-* 4, tif-*o Mo
130

10.
( ffi)t J
1=fftilElJl ! 11, :hDX;f1[*, 1t=a-f-litp-o ! 21 Q ;,M**=
f-lii!7, P-JMl4**=f-tp-o 1 31 l'aJ: X11l*JLW?
El: -+niP"o
*El:-1!*.ffl*Zo+wnTlia=+li
M.=Tlia=+:1J. =,-+R-.-M,
:1JJfZ, c i 1tx-t1r*o 'frfaJo
4


CD
[Notes] ...... :s:;
a
-a
[ I ] A san guang tian( land with three widths )is polygon fonned by two trapezoids .....
-:::J"
having their upper bases equal and coincident. ( C ) CD
"Tl

[ 2] Let the san !JUang tian 's area, da guang, xiao guang, zhong guang, zheng chang ...
0
c:
c
be S, a, b, c, h. That is, ( S + J c - a + J b - J h) x i h = 15888. ( G)
:::,

::,
0
:,:
:::,
[ 3 J First, solve the root w of the equation w3 + w2 + 4w = ( a + b + c + h + 2 ). (/)

That is, w + c = b, w = j c, a - b = 2. (G)

[ 4 J The expression in modem form is the equation: 2lx7 + 40x6 - 277r - 425.x4
==
-=
n =::::

-=
u,:D

...-=
+ 908x-1 + I 009x2 + 236x - 190656 = 0. ( C )
n-<
rn c:::t

-...
n

...
:z:
u,

131

I O.The area of a zhong jin tian l I l plus the diagonal joining the two vertices
is equal to 315 bu.r 2 i It is said that each of the two wai xie equals 25 bu. and
each of the nei xie 20 bu.l 3 J Find the diagonal.
Ans. 15 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the diagonal. From the statement we have
447525 for the negative shi, 2520 for the positive fang, 2046 for the posi
tive first Lian, and I for the negative yu, an expression r 4 l of the fourth
degree whose root is the required diagonal.
 ,,
,,

,,
,,"
,
,,

' --.
'
x

,
,

[ i!:ff J

(I] #:&Ef1%:tlllfri.'.:f'.(19DffflS. !illOOWr1I'\::J;J-$itzW o ( )

[2J ic#illila9iiilR&3<t][*Jt:11J::J;Js, 1, .tltl!P: s + 1 = 3150 <$TS)

[ 3 J ic1Ft4.1:J a, r, p;l[i4.1:J b. .tltlIP: a = 25, b = 20 0 C)
r

[ 4] ffjf:ito<Jfi:%:it.1:J: -x4 + 2046x2 + 2520x - 447525 = Oo ( )

[ 4- l
4 # tr1 <r-J iiJ iP-hn tj- :K. A*- , 1-- 3 15 ffe o -'' -i- 11' # *- 25 ffe , R
#*- 20 ffe O Jo]: tj":K.Ji. {c39 J }'?
$: 15-ffeo
132
-'!(: il*-k..-39 tj:K_jf_ iC, i,::J,:!(a;f;;;;t*;K.Jt.M-0 ,1:/j-.ftj -447525 39 'f

J:9i 2520 ,;g - iJ: JJi . , 2046 39 ..=. iJ: JJi . , - 1 39 it ;J:. J:9i Al. ,

iJ:;;t, tj":K_jf_{co o

11.
[ m[)t J
1
4-IMJEBf.R, 1Ja12, !Ml.. 1J01-. 1-t-f-=a o JfoJ:
l

Ifill12 JL{iiJ ?
B: -+=o

*B: 1f.7:7e-1'Jll\l12, :!iOf.RZo 1-+-JJ1i-f-=a'1. J\.

 -
8
::ir;- a,

-
"'"
'Q

--t;. 0
0
. i>e,
'-
<?,?

-I'o- v'6

.,,
' '<?.,,-

..,,
,...,
. e, "
. ;Y,
'Q'
, ' -!;,
c:
c
'<,i?
'
'<?
,.._"
'v"
e, " \.
'6 "
....

' ...,, " 0

[ Notes J

[ I ) A zhong jin tian [ formed like.the top of the character jin ( ) gold] is poly-

gon shown by the figure above. ( C )

[ 2 ] Let the zhong jin rian' s area and the diagonal be Sand l. That is, S + l = 315.

( G)

[ 3] Let two wai xie be a, and two 11ei xie b. That is, a = 25, b = 20. ( G)

[ 4 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: -x4 + 2046x 2 + 2520x

- 447525 = 0. ( C)
133

11. To the square of the diameter of a circle add the square of the area, plus

the diameter, minus the circu1nference. The result equals 7200 bu.l I lfind the

dameter.
Ans. 12 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the diameter of the circle. From the state-
ment we have 115200 for the negative shi, 80 for the positive first Lian, 48
 [ii]
(I] mllffiiiifR, Jlj, IMJ7tjJIJ1-Js, [, do .lltf!P: (S + d- /) 2 + d2 = 72000
( fl5)

[if]
::tr Ill tfJ fr-J tis :fR.ha lMJ 1 , 1M1 ftl , 4t ro 3Tt, .ha 1 , fl 7200 -ffe o 1oJ :
!Ml 1h j :Y?
$.: 12-ffeo
*-: il.kJL- jJ f ' f). ;fR * ;f<.Jt:. Wt 1-ijtJ -115200 jJ '*' ft19t '
O

134 80;l].::..;k_19f 4t. -48;li.=-ik. . 9;li:ift.ik. .ft. :1f-ik.,

11-1" j1J [ffl f ,ff,@--Ji}j" loJ
0 O

12.
[ Jffi)t ]
JirEEl1'1, ;IJOJ'L{1i#, ..tWJ::t#, -s=+=$o l 2 l ,Rz;::
Jir1, t:J3J'-1f:JfZ, ff:A..tJRJ, 1ilm-t-tf7o [Jl fiiJ: ,ffll, 12-*fL{AJ'?

*B: i[7(JG-J;J:,ffl], :!Ul.f.R>l<Zo 1-!J-H:::.=f ;\..s--t-1":h.iE.

im=f--t+:::.j]J.A:n. s=+-Jg:MMf, JgiE. iL1r:Jt. [ 4 1 ii
LJW.lo itloJo
 for the negative last Lian, and 9 for the positive yu, an expression[ 2 l of the
fourth degree whose root is the required diameter.

diameter

[Notes]
[ l ] Let the circle's area, the circumference, and the diameter be S, I, and d. That is,
( S + d - I ) 2 + d2 = 7200. ( G )

[ 2] The expression in modem form is the equation: 9x4 - 48.x3 + 80x2 - 115200
= 0. ( C)

.
':I'

-
135

12. The area of a wa tian C I l plus the strong half of the wa jing minus the great
half of the shang zhou equals 132 bu; r 2 land the sum of the square root of the wa
jing and the shang zhou equals 40 bu.l 3 l Find the shang zhou and the wa jing.
Ans. Shang zhou, 36 bu; wajing, 16 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the shang zhou. From the statement we
have 12816 for the positive shi, 4072 for the positive fang, 321 for the
negative Lian, and 3 for the positive yu, a cubic expressiod 41 whose root is
the required shang zhou.
 c

'' ''
'' ,,
---- - ____
/

,. ,.
/

' , ....... .,

( jiff l

fJt = ! ACB AB 0 ( )

[2] . ;iwa, ff. f orifffi-#ffl;-$%1JEEl o i-$1l! o ic

ffilJiii.fJtJ'if:f, ..t.JtJ:11J1Js, d, 1, Jltf!P: s+!d-;1= 132 0 ()
[ 3 ] Jltf!P: /d + I = 40 0 ( )

[ 4] fF1fJ:J\Ht%1J: 3x3 - 32lx2 + 4072x + 12816 = 0 0 ( )

[ 4-]
4 -'i:. tfJ' $.-iii ;fJth11'i:.1 {r,J l ' J:.%] i ' 132 ::v
61.J O ;; -i.: f
1 if"-f- , hri A J:. ft) , #.-,1.f 40 ::V fol : tfJ {r,J %] , 1 ;h j '.,!,' ?
O
136
$.: ft) 36 :Y"' 1 16 ::v
*
O

;!(; if..:kJG- jlJ J:.}5] , :,t-;h,;fR *-.Jt:.Wf -f.f .ftl 12816 .;!J '*' , 4072
O

j/J- ,k t!lt, -321 jlJ ..::..,k !It, 3 jlJ Jjl ik . ff ..=.ik,

1tA-- .f1J J:. %1 o .ff Ji.If fol o

13.
[ mt:x. l
mfJ=.t l , 1, :JJorJaJY*-. 12;JJ:k$, ='f---tsJL+li
.R ": ""FJWJ:1'1. =j..JM--Jr, -:1'1MIW, 3-nJfZ; Jl12
21 L [
-*0

= 3-nJfz, :!lll7'GJF:n=tto f 3 l j'a]: JWJ' 1JL1PI?

B: JWJJL -t-1L$, 12.li-t--Wo
 c

shang zhou 36 bu
jing 16 bu
D
c
'' , '' ,,
:::::,
;,,:-
''
.... ---- ....
, ,, ''
----- , , ,,
:::::,
(/)

[Notes]
[ 1 ] A wa tian, depressed circle, is a section of a circle as shown in the figure. The

ACB is called the shang zhou ( upper circumference ) and the AB the wa jing ( depressed ==
c-:a=::
..- CD
en
- :a
l ACB
-
C":a-<
diameter). The area is AB. ( C ) enc=
"
[ 2 ]The character wa 1neans concave in Chinese. Wa tian is a big section of a circle.

...
:z
A great half is !. Let the wa tian' s area, the wa jing, and the shang zhou be S, d, and I.

That is, S + ; d - I = 132. ( G)

[ 3 ] That is, fd + I = 40. ( G )

[ 4] The expression in modern form is the equation: 3x3 - 32lx2 + 4072x +

137
12816 = 0. (C)

13. The area of a wan tian ( 1 lplus the s1nall half of the square of the xia zhou,

minus the great half of the square of the wan jing equals 2795 bu less one-half

bu.C 2 J It is said that if the xia zhou be put for the shi, 2 for the positive fang,
and I for the positive yu of a quadratic expression, the square root of the
difference between the wan jing and 2 is less than the root of this quadratic
 *B:-ffnft.ffl*Zoffl--; +-
. =+Mn.=-+.t+M.-
. . M@1fffZ, C4l 1iJL. 16ffnfl o lol o

., .- - - - ... ., --- -- .....

A B

[ ff l
[ 1] 119i!EB::faJo i:9:r"fflljgACB, "11,1,JAB, !J!ljelfgEEJiffifQ= ! ACS ABo

( '* )

[ 2] Y-*P o *,1,J l o ici!JyElJiffi.ffl- r"ffll, 119i!5t,.;1J::Jg s, I, d, ( :h.

*} 11!:lliifQA: s = 4l dlo J.ltP: s + 31 12 - 32 tP = I
2795 4 o ( )

138 [ 3] Jtff1fiex2 + 2x = I {Rx, ::faJJ'eff1frio X -/d - 2 = 2o ( $)

[ 4] ;Jf;f:a'.;(Jg:JJeftfA::faJ: -.t4 + 74x3 - 214x 2 + 420x - 33831 = 0 0 ( )

[]
;tf1'tlfJtiJ;fR,mi""f %J-'- j, i,I,\-'- , '*2795 J ffe 0 : YA

r fol5'J , 25'J -,k .JJi 4t, 1 5'J :iil ,k J:ji 4t, -Jt-t *; 5l , .:f'f "e.1 ;A
2, -Jt-f-*, --Jt*ffft2ffeo :Wfo],&5'Jj?
$: ft] 99 ffe. 51 ffe O

*'-: i,tj(,-5']-Jt.f YA1o;fR*;:!-.;j"<.Nf-o 1;fJ1J-338315'J't

, 420 5'3-,kJ:ji ia. -214 5'J..::..,k . 14 5'J ..=..,k , -1 5'J
AJ:jii4t, -Jte*.9ffe, 5'3-Jt*oMo
expression by 2 bu.l 3 I Find the zhou and the jing.
Ans. Zhou, 99 bu; jing, 51 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the root of the quadratic expression. From
the statement we have 33831 for the negative shi, 420 for the positive fang,
214 for the negative first Lian, 74 for the positive last Lian, and 1 for the
negative yu , an expression ( 4 l of the fourth degree with 9 as the required
root.

- --' -=
n c:
.,,,,-- - -,
t.n=
.. ,,,,. Sit :a
t.n

=n
Sit
a:; -<
t.n
A B

...
wan Jing 51 bu
:s:
:z
xia zhou 99 bu t.n

c
.
I -

[ Notes J
139
[ I ] A wan tian is a section of a sphere as shown in the figure formed by cutting a

curved line convex upward; the xia zhou is the ACB; the wan Jing( diameter of the convex

curve ) is AB. The area is J ACB AB. ( C)

[ 2 ] A small half is . A less one-half is J . Let the wan tian 's area, the xia zhou,
and the wan jing be S, l, and d. The formula of area was given in The Nine Chapters of

Mathematical Procedures: S = J di. That is, S + f -i

12 d2 = 2795 J . ( G)
[ 3 J First, extract the root x of the equation x2 + 2x = l as xian kai Jang shu.

x -/d - 2 = 2. ( G)

[ 4 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: -x4 + 74r' - 2 I 4x2 + 420x

- 33831 = 0. ( C )
 14.
[ )t l
RIBf/. :boffi1, ml$!, :n:-T\tv or J ,RL"m1llffi1
- ..t.1=. [ 2 I o j';:;i
-Y - 1;;:.. & JL J1PJ
llJ: .=.'f.:c:1::r :;r ?.

B:OO. a12A. 12-+o

::f:B: .fl.:kJC-jgiffi1. lllfl*Zo 1t-s=.+;'\1JM. -+='1
1i, -+-'1.iE, .ijl,1f7fz, [J] 1iffi1 0 il-fiiJ o

[ iff l
[l] BftffiA--ffl-*--ffio
140
56 0 ( $) '
[ 2] lltP: ( d - 2r) - r = 2o ( ,is)
[ 3] ff:1f.it(!{J1%.itjg: llx2 - 12x - 128 = 00 ( )

(]
4- .tj<. 3l- iJ di, :fJ't ;bp iii{ ' i 00 , 5 6 ffe .J; -i. Ji{ l:t. iii { i 2 ffe
O O

1oJ: 001, Jl.1, ll\1?!,; :Y?

$.: 001 4 ffe. Jl.1 6 ffe. ll\1 14 ffeO
;f.: 1-i. .it- ?!7 ii11 , v 11;f?- ;t * *-Jt. Mo 1.:J-j1J -128 ?!7 .:t;i , -12
?!7 - ,k. iffi , 11 ?!7 Jil ,k >Ji , -Jr-t ;t, 1t..f.f 11J oo 1 o 1f1"-rJr ,oJ o

OJ
o
O a.
::,,;- CD
14. The area of a qiu Lu qian tian plus the mianjing, minus the circumference _s:;
0
of the circle equals 56 bu.[ 1 l The xujing exceeds the mian jing by 2 bu C 2 J.
a
'::!"
Find the threejing.
'TI
0
c::
Ans. Mianjing, 4 bu;
xujing, 6 bu;
tong jing, 14 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the mianjing. From the statement we have
128 for the negative shi, 12 for the negative fang, and 11 for the positive
yu, a quadratic expression [3 l whose root is the required mian jing.

XU )Ing

141
[Notes]
[ 1 ] A qiu lu qian tian is formed by four equal arc and the circumference of a
circle in which the middle part is cut off. Let its area, tong jing, mian jing, and circum-

ference be S, d, r, I. Then, xu jing is d - 2r. That is, S + r - l = 56. ( G )

[ 2 ] That is, ( d - 2r ) - r = 2. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: l l.x2 - l 2x - 128 = 0. ( C )


IZ!l
15.
[ Jffl)t ]
Kmffl. *. *Z. *-.li
.1Ls-+_f7o
(
I) ..RL";.1c5!, 1illY$ 0( 2 l IPJ: 5!, **lLfnJ?
=EI = *-+ 1\.tv-, 5z-ti--=tv o

::f:EI: *.-;c-'1*, :QOffi;j(Zo 1!J-]J--=f;\.s.=.-t-1"1J . .=.

+-f::1'J1J, =.1'J)A}Jl, =1'JiEIW, 1L1J7fZ, (J] 1f* o itlPJ o
------.
--,---l,
I ',
I '
I \
I \
l \
I I
I I
I I
I
I
I
I
I

I
I //

-----
...__ _j ___
.,!,"

[ it:ff]
[1J wmepzi::J*. ii:.Jtiiii.fR, 5f, 9i:5tjJ1Js. c, v, <1tti:1t:*) :1rm
Jittf:l;Jtitifft0x1:: S = ( cv + v2 )o .t.ltJl!iJb: S + v: - c2 + v3 = 59130 ( $15)
142
[2J .lit flP : .E.v = 4 o ( )
[ 3] ff:1fx1:B'1{"t*itfJ: 2x3 + 2x2 - 27x - 11826 = Oo ( )

[ 4-it]
+-}[.+.-*.
-}[ , 1.ff 5913 ffe ..R v:.l Jt Ms-1 , 1-'f 4 ffe o Jo) : 5, Jt $- ;il;, $ :J,?
a

$ : jt 18 ffe ' ft 72 ffe O

;i;:.: :k..-}] , v:J.-feii-}r*;jtJl:. 0 1f .f1J -11826 h 't lt, -27
h - ,k. tiJi *'- .tt , 2 h..::. ,k. '9i i .tt , 2 h Jii. r5i ,k. i lt , if--=- ;k_-jr , 1t.-if
.f,J o ..?f rJr 1oJ o
 '

15. To the area of a segment of a circle add the cube of the shi, subtract the
square of the subtended chord, divide the remainder by the shi and add to
the quotient the cube of the shi. The result equals 5913 bu. l I l It is said that
the quotient of the chord and the shi is equal to 4 bu.l 2 J Find the chord and
the shi.
Ans. Shi, 18 bu; chord, 72 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the shi. From the statement we have 11826
for the negative shi, 27 for the negativefang, 2 for the positive Lian, and 2 n ::::
-m
en
- :a

en=
en :a
for the positive yu, a cubic expression [ l whose root is the required shi.
;; -=
3

- ---- -
--,---),
I ',
n
:z

...
I
I
\
\
z
I \ en
I I
-.J I I
N I
I
I I
I I
I I

- ----- -
I I
I ,/
______ !,"

143
[Notes)
[ l J A hu tian is a segment of a circle, which like a bow. Let its area, chord,

and shi be S, c, and v. The formula of area was given by the chapter of fang tian

( surveying of land ) of The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures: S = ( cv

S+v 3 -c
+ v2 ). The statement in the problem is v3 = 5913. ( G)

[ 2) That is,...= 4. ( G)
v
[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 2x3 + 2x2 - 27x - 11826 =

o. ( c)


16.
( mt)t l
;ij:$:ffiffi. L;},1*P3JaJ1Juz, 1V,;rJaj*1Z. ;ZVJ1*Z, 1
;;;, -=f.lis=-t-/\.tp- o[ I] _R1$j.{Q;,*:!v, l*J;,JaJ&fL o[ 2)
loJ:1:2:,.&l*J;, JL1PJ?
B:@*:!t. l*JJaJ=+-:!t, *-+o
-*B: Jl.*-1-Jffl1, :tii:iJltZo lf_flis=+;\.1-JM, -1'3
_tJ1l, -i-fL-$1-J= -1-liE. P.Y*1J:1tz, c 3 11t1:2: a
,, ,, ,, ----- .... ....
A
/
.,,,. --- ' ',
'
'
,\
I ,_,"
I
"<
1, y" \I
III
/\
I
II
', ,,
'>""
,, ,,
I
I
I
I
I
I

\ ,, ;;.-t-.,.,\ 'I,'
I \
\ ,,

Mt.:;.-t-#'

[ jff l
[ l J !f:fflEBIW-firffllfa<J%, {1L11r*} E.;Jtf91J/Mi, Jt-fflPFEB**MF o
iclf EEi tl"Jffi, , r*J,fflj, 7' f.ij1) S, d, I,, 12 , { :ttiit*} 11 tl"J:1' EB *;li!;:
144 S = ( /1 + 12 ) do JitJJJi.itil})t: ( S + di, - d/2 ) d2 - d2 = 3528 0 ( )
[2] Jitl!P: d2 -12 = 6, 12 - I,= 9 o ()

[3] 7f1Ji-ttr.JJJk1.ft%iX:1'.7: x5 - 19 x3 - x2 - 3528 = 0 0 ()

[ A, l
*w. a*p:]%J,*a*,r%J,a
'*
-'-*z * 1-'-. 3s2s ffe j:.,q.;.J:t.tr%Ji 6 ffe, l*l tr%JzO

49-ffeo M: aal*Jlr%JJ?
$: 16-ffe, 1*)%)21-ffe, IJ-%)30-ffe o
?f..: if;kJ(,-.$-.ti]001, f,(11;fP-;t**-$.-Wf o 1lf1J-3528
, -1 .::..*._ lft, -l9t-=-ik.Jyi lft, I :ijk_ik_Jyi :k,
3t Ji. ;k_ :::t , 1t.1f Jtl 1 o ..ff- fo)f 11 o
 ttl c....
O II)
O Q.
16. The area of the che wang tian plus the product of the Jing by the nei zhou, ;,,;- <t>
._s:
minus the product of the wai zhou by the Jing, and the remainder multiplied )
a
by the square of the Jing. The result minus the square of the jing equals 3528
<t>

bu. 1 l It is said that the square of the Jing exceeds the wai zhou by 6 bu, and c
c
the difference between the wai zhou and the nei zhou is 9 bu.l 2 l Find the shi :::,
;:,,;
:::,
jing, the nei zhou, and the wai zhou. :::,

Ans. Shi Jing, 6 bu;

(/)

nei zhou, 21 bu;

wai zhou, 30 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the jing of the che wang tian. From
the statement we have 3528 for the negative shi, 1 for the negative first
Lian, 191 for the negative second Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an
expression t 3 l of the fifth degree whose root is the required shi Jing.
,,. ----- .... '
A.
//
,,.

/
.,,--- ' ' ' ....
'
'
"
.......
I ',
I I ' ,-
\_/ \
/ I
, ,,"' I I
,, I I
I I ', I I
I\ I
,, ) , I I
-

\ "' ' / I
',..jrei ;hou 21 bv- , 145
,,
I
1
\
.,,/-
wai zhou 30 bu

[Notes)
[ I ) A che wang tian is a segment of a wheel. There are examples in The Nine

Chapters of Mathematical Procedures, which were solved by the huan tian method. Let
the huan tian' s area, Jing, nei zhou, and wai zhou be S, d, I 1, 12 The huan tian method
given in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures is as follows: S = ( /1 +
I?. ) d. The statement of the problem is ( S + di, - d/2 ) d2 - d2 = 3528. (G)
[ 2] That is, d2 - 12 = 6, 12 - /1 == 9. ( G )
[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x5 - 19 1 x3 - x2 - 3528 = 0.

( c)
 17.

..t [ Jffi)t )
mffl.-11Bnoo.mffl.-+=-/\W-+
ZV J .R Att-ZV fo]; 7t!!.1f, ffiW.1-* JLfiiJ?
O ( I O (
2
)

El: 71!!1f-+J\zv, ffi}fjj1L+vo

*B:-:tJMn.ffl*Zo+J\fi+:tJa
.-J\li:tJMn. w=+:tJMk.=+A:tJM-.
:tJiEMJ, =*nHZ. r J 147fi!.1fo frfoJo 3

111' 111'

[ff)
er
[ 1 J tt EH !Ml EH 1aJ i-*-iE1f 7Jc 711!. B<J o irJ 11 l't<J mrm , 7Jc lll!. a<1 it1 * :5t
}lj;/g S, a, J!tl!P: S2 + a - 4S = 121815 0 ( )
146
[2J 1tt1'J7J(rti1.it1*a<Jg* 7}(711!.B<JJJtIIJJa:IB<JHe, '113 tv"o ( $1S)
( 3 J ff 1fAB<JJ.lHtmJ:\1J: x' + 36x3 + 424x2 + I 804x - 484776 = Oo ( )

[ 4-i?I )
--. t*-Ul.*. -4*,
121815ffe 0 J;-;i.-jf,1;h3ffeo JaJ: Jj(.-Ul.*, 'lftJ*;hj

$-: * at.]- Ul. * 18 .,. ' i \:f1 ft] * 90 .,. 0

;f.; i1kft- ;,9 Jj(.-Ul. *, y;J.-Jto-jj"**-Nf.o ffjlj -484776 ;/;J

-t4t. 1804JIJ-ikJ9it4t, 424JIJ.::..ik.t. 36Jl}.=-ik.tM:.,
IJIJAtM:., ff'7i", Jj(.-*o fflo
17. The square of the area of a qian tian plus a side of the square pool in the
centre of the land, minus 4 times the area of qian tian equals 121815 bu.l I l It
is said that the bo jing is 3 bu.l 2 l Find a side of the pool and the circumference
of the land.

Ans. A side of the pool, 18 bu;

circumference of the land, 90 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be a side of the pool. From the statement we

have 484776 for the negative shi, 1804 for the positive fang, 424 for the
positive first Lian, 36 for the positive last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an
expression [ 3 l of the fourth degree whose root is the required side of the

pool.

mianjing

side

147

[Notes]
[ l J A qian tian is a form that the middle of a yuan tian is dug a square pool just as a

cash fonn. Let the qian tian 's area and a side of the pool be Sand a. That is, S2 + a - 4S =

121815. (G)

[ 2 ] A bo Jing is the distance from the top of the pool to the circumference of the

circle, which is 3 bu. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: .x4 + 36.x3 + 424x2 + 1804x

- 484776 = 0. ( C)
 18.
[ m{)t J
1iff lE.fR, 12*;,JWJ:hoz, !JJpgJWJ;m;, -ta= t-1L 0 i J=J. =
=. .
(

#pgJta, IV.3-1J7Fz, J9r1ilil12- 0( 2 1 laJ: ,mJ, 12

* JL{ii]'?
B: 12-+li$, ijgJli+lm$, ml-alm+lm o
*B=*-1. ffl*Zo=1La=+li. A+
.:J . *+*1-JM..t. =+1'11A""Fml, -1-J:Mt. =*1J7fz.[31
i

ff1o 'Ei"fiiJo

[ iff J
[I ] ic.JiFE11JlJOOW-, , r;_t,P.tl, -",P.t]J.1 S, d, /1 , /2, { fL*) ttl 11
148 ffEfl*: S = (/ 1 + /2) do llt'1iii!!P: S + dl2 - l\ = 7290 ()
[ 2] Jltl!P: d - / 1 1 + /2 - 2 = lo ( )

[3] 3f1Ji.ttf,gJ\:%1-J: -x4 + 20.x-3 - 66x2 + 60x - 2925 = 0 0 ( !* )

[)
-a-%J. %J. 729o :
7f %] ,lij -!- 2' Jt. -Jt-t ;i5", Jt..ftl- 1' -t 1 -t
1
O loJ: 7f ,IJ]'
159 J :.Y?
$: e 15 ffe, ,IJ] 54 ffe, 1t-%l 144 ffe o
;i(; iin:,- 5'J 1, Y.A-Jlo::t**Jt..Nf-o 1lltl -2925 59 'f, 60
59-,k. ,. -66 59 .=..;k_ llt, 20 59-=-,k. ,. -1 5'i Jfl ;k_
llt, -Jt*::t. eo Mo
18. Add to the area of a huan tian the product of the shi jing by the wai zhou and
subtract from the sum of the square of the nei zhou. The remainder is 729 bu.r 1 l
It is said that the square root of the sum of the nei zhou and the wai zhou less 2 is =r-
31
less than the shi jing by 1 bu.: 2 l Find the nei zhou, wai zhou, and shi jing. ...c
Ans. Shi Jing, 15 bu; :::,

:::,

nei zhou, 54 bu; :::,

wai zhou, 144 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the shi jing. From the statement we have n
;;m
2925 for the negative shi, 60 for the positive fang, 66 for the negative first
Lian, 20 for the positive last lian, and l for the negative yu, an expression f 3 l
-=
en
en :Di
C":-<
en c:,
....
C":I
of the fourth degree whose root is the required shi Jing. :I:

...
:z:
en

149

(Notes]
[ 1 ) Let the huan tian' s area, shi jing, nei zhou, and wai zhou be S, d, l 1, /2 The

huan tian method given in The Nine Chapters ofMathematical Procedures is as follows:

S = ( /1 + l2 ) d. The statement of the problem is S + dl2 - = 729. ( G)

[ 2 J That is, d -//1 + /2 - 2 = 1. ( G)

f 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: -x1 + 20x3 - 66x2 + 60x -

2925 = o. ( C)
 J: 1.
[ Jffi)t ]
4--.:::-.!Jtlms-+JLJc, -o [I] ,,R L"ipg:1Jl]J\RZffl", 1-t}
li s --t+J\J(,R. o r 2 l IAJ : -! , ,Rffl"-*JL,(oJ?
B:*n=R, RT\+liJcW*JcZ-o
#B:*-R.ffl*Zoffl-flms-+ftA;lis
--t+J\b\1J, J\IW, 31Z:n3fz, [ 3 J 1.tJRffl" o ,@'., iittfril1*

[ - J

150
(2J lltRP: R.tt + 8x = 5780 ( n)

?X1Ia{]*1-JA, igfflr*liy = Axe 3f1J::;jttl:\y, !J!1JJJJCJf1IEr-J?tttms

?tii:.ll x1 = i o C :n) IVJtttjR}f**Mllt*1J,mftr-f%?&it*1-.7:

 Duan Pi Hu Yin ( Problems on Piece
Goods)
9 Problems

1. A duan of silk costs 34 J 9 cah.c I l If a number corresponding to the price of 8

chi of silk be added to the number of chi in the duan the sum is 578 wen chi.r 2 l
Find the length of the duan and the price of the chi.
Ans. Length, 5 zhang 2 chi;
price per chi, 65 J cash. -=
n !::
- _.
en :a
:Ill
Process. Let the element tian be the price of one chi. From the statement n<
enc:.
we have 3419 for the negative shi, 578 for the positive fang, and 8 for the
n
:I:
negative yu, a quadratic expression.[ 3 l Since the root of this expression is :z
not an integral number we apply, in solving, the Lian zhi tong ti method( 4 l. ....
en

[Notes]
.
[ I ] One guan is I OOO cash. Let the element tian be the price of chi. Use x for the ..
' \. .

tian. That is, 319 = the number of duan. ( G)

151
[ 2 ] That is, the length of duan + 8x = 578. ( G )
[ 3) The expression in modem form is the equation: -8.r + 578x - 3419 = 0. ( C)
[ 4 ] The Lian zhi tong ti method is also called zhi fen method. When one gets the
integral part of the root of a equation ( let its power be n ), he finds the extraction never
ending. He multiplies the constant term by yu 's powers n - I, n - 2, J, 0, - I in jian
gen kai fang shi ( the remainder after extracting the integral part of the root ), the coeffi
cients of the terms of the powers l, 2, 11 - 2, n - I, n, and makes the coefficient of
the term of the power n become I .Let the coefficient of the term of the highest power of
jian gen kai fang shi be A. This is the same as the commutation y = Ax. By extraction he
}'
gets y, then the fractional part of the root of the original equation is x1 = A . ( G )Solving
this expression by the Lian zhi tong ti method, in modem symbols, we have
 -8 +578 -3419 ( 60

-480 +5880 5

98 +2461 65
-480 -2116
-382 +355
-40
-422
-8
-430

!NJtt 65 !6 1t65 ! 1.Jf,Jf*Z*o ( )

[ i]
4'--1f4l3$419, *7 l o .R-i.1c}Jo8..R,.a91-{r4l, 1f578X.o
1',;J: 1c, X.11i'-Ji$:Y?
$: * 5 j:_ 2 x., X. -ffi'- 65 J j:_ 0

152
= J;;.JG-JiX.-ffi'-, ":;.:h,;f?-*'*-Jl:--o 1-.tD -3419Ji'tft, 578
JJ-*lA, -8JJ*la, . t..R..-ffi'-o
. **-Z, tMo

2.
l
[ )t
4--. 1itt-m1islm+J\.Xo .RZ\"Rf.fti*J-lf. . l2,l,Rf.ft
*Z, Rf.ft, -m- s-+lmJco [ I] fcJ: -If, R.f.ftJL{iiJ?
8: IZJ;-f_t.=j:;\.,R_Jt,Rz.=, R.f.ft.li+Lmxo
*B:*-Rf.ft,iQ*Zoffl.=;\.s+=.-
1J, -iE, .1JZ-1r3fz, [zJ 1.R.f.fto ,g-rcJo

-8 +578 -3419 ( 60 -...

:,,.- (I)

-480 +5880 5 0

98 +2461 65 (I)
TI

-480 -2116
...
0

-382 +355

-40

-422

-8

-430

Therefore, 65 }f or 651 is the required root. ( C )

153

2. The price of a pi of damask is 1548 cash. It is said that if we subtract the

number of chi in the pi from the price of one chi, multiply the remainder by
the price of one chi, then subtract from the product the price of one chi, the
remainder thus obtained is 1314.l I J Find the length of the pi and the price of

one chi.

Ans. Length, 2 zhang 8 chi;


ll9

..t (I] ii:x:ffi-x11.Rfft. ic.w111!J;;*, Jlt!!P: (x - w) x - x = 13140 (n)

[2] Jfjjj.\e<]$,ft,m;rt: x2 - x - 2862 = O o ( )

()
;;ij" 1 11 , in.4l 1 $ 548 ;t o .R .;.-..R..11r tf=1 iA 11 * , , )I ..R..#r *-, iA
-t...R..11r, 1$314;Z o lal: 11*-, ..R..11r:.lJj:,Y?
.it: 11 * 2 :t 8t..R.. ' ..R..11r 54 ;t O

: iiJL- )9 ..R..-Hi'"' )I -jj" * >t<:.Jt:. kif. 0 ,1l .fJ -2862 )9 .ft ' -1
)9-ik .f...ft, 1 :.lJJilik:J1i i.tt, -Jt-'f-;,t, -ft.f.ftl..R..11J-o ..ffJiJj"JaJo

3.
[ Jffl)t J
tm-. 1t*Im1Jt;\.+::to[ 11 9.2'#R.fft, -Kjj;Jt:, i;1R.fft*Z,
154
:/Ja-K. ;tt:lt-+-m--e1t+=xo 121 loJ: -K, R.-fft*JLM?
B : -KllY:st:J\.R., R.1ft;\.+1iXo
*B: .ll.JC-j}-. UiR>ltZo 1l--=f7\e7\-t-ImJJ7\=flmEfjJM
. -t=f=e-t+=1.71AMI, -1.7:M .fl.-Jfffz. [JJ 14-Ko l'llJo

( jiff J
4080
[I] i!it.:X:ffi-x11*. ic..Rfft1J w, Jltl!P: x
= Wo ( $1S)

[2] JltflP: (x + w) w + x = 113530 (n)

 price per chi, 54 cash.

Process. Let the element tian be the price of one chi. From the statement

we have 2862 for the negative shi, I for the negative fang, and 1 for the

positive yu, a quadratic expression l 2 J whose root is the required price of

one chi.

[ Notes l
[ l J Let the element tian be the price of one chi. Use x for the tian, let w be the

length of pi. That is, ( x - w) x - x = 1314. ( G )

[ 2 J The expression in modem form is the equation: x2 - x - 2862 = 0. ( C )

3. The price of a duan embroidery is 4080 cash.l I l The price of chi plus the
number of chi in the duan, multiplied by the price of a chi, plus the number of
chi in the duan, is equal to 11353.c 2 l Find the length of the duan and the price
of one chi. 155

Ans. Length, 4 zhang 8 chi;

price per chi, 85 cash.

Process. Let the element tian be the length of the duan. From the statement

we have 16646400 for the negative shi, 7273 for the positive Lian, and l for
the negative yu, a cubic expression i 3 J whose root is the required length of
the duan.

( Notes l
[ 1 J Let the element tian be the lerigth of the duan. Use x for the tian, let w be the
 []
+1-.-4$80oK-*h.K*,h;,t
*, 1f 11 1t 353 :t.o laJ: .AA;*, K j '.J!'?
$: -* :t. 8 K, K 85 :t.a
4
;i(: itj(.-?] -*,
fJ.-j(i,;fP-7.1 ;:!- *-Jt.ffilf- 0 1f .f1J -166464()() 't 4t 'Yi,

7273 -=- ;k_ 'Yi ' -1 it. ;k_ 'Yi ' -Jt iL 7.f , 1t. ff itl .AA; ,ff * 0

J,)f 1.;J O

4.
[ )t l
---.-.-K-.-K;XlffiKe.-K;=
#.tJf, t=Tlis-t- /\R.o [ 11 .R z;;-Yffii-K:$r-K:lm?tz.-o l 2 lfiiJ:
*
Yw1 ' lffi JLfoJ?
B:K;R. lffiK=*Ro

=-t-;jgjj, =+li'11E, +1f1fz,

*B=*--K.toffl*Zoffl1iT=1i+*A,
3
( ] ii4M-K:o -ftl'u.Jo

[ 5ft]
156 [1]72Jt-x1il* icll*:1-Jw. Jitl!P: Cx2 -w) + (w2 -x) =35160
c n)
I
[ 2] Jitl!P: x - w == 4X o ( n)

[ 3 ] :rf1fj.\'.;t'.tg;001-\:%j.\'.;1iJ: 25x2 - 28x - 56256 = 00 ( )

( if l
+1-,1.-AAi*ro*,**; *ro*.*.AAi*; -=
;t-;tijh, *'-1f3516Ko ft.t*-J:t.*JMi*-V,Jto 1"1: ft.t*, *
_i Y?
$: :i.t*4:l:.8K, *3:k.6Ko
;i(: ji_j[.-.AA;*-, YA;fP-:i.f;:!-*-Jt.ffilf- 0 1ff1J-56256't>ffi, -28
}]- ik >9i i , 25 }] ik 'Yi i :ft, -Jt-t 7.f, 1t.1} .ftl .AA;* o ,tq-P)f fa] o
 --
en
O n>
O CD
;,,;- Q.
40SO
x = w. ( G )
priceofone chi. That is,
......
[ 2 ] Thati s, ( x + w ) w + x = 11353. ( G )
::,-
( 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: -x3 + 7273x2 - 16646400 :::: CD

c
0. ( C) c
:::,
:,t"
:::,

:::,
en

4. There are a duan and a pi of embroidery. The difference between the square
of the duan and the length of the pi plus the difference between the square of
the pi and the length of the duan is equal to 3516 chi.[ 1 l It is said that the
length of the duan exceeds the length of the pi by one-fourth of itself.( 2 l What
is the length of each?
Ans. Length of the duan, 4 zhang 8 chi;
length of the pi, 3 zhang 6 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the length of the duan. From the state
. .
ment we have 56256 for the negative shi, 28 for the negative fang, and 157

25 for the positive yu, a quadratic expression ( 3 l whose root is the re-
quired length of the duan.

[Notes]
[ 1 J Let the elem ent tian be the lengthof the duan. Use x for the tian, let w be the

lengthofthepi.Thatis, (x2 -w) + (w1 -x) ::;3516. (G)

[ 2 ] That is, x - w = x. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: 25x2 - 28x - 56256 = 0.

( c)
 5.
[ )t l
4-ffffi-rB;, 1{-1Jta:R+R::t o( 11 R Zi"rB;i.JlllR. 1ft1isim+im5t
zrmsrm+-0 ( 21 foJ: [GK, R.1ftJLfiiJ?
S: [GK_3t:RRrl95tR.z=.R.1ftlm+liX-71'XZ-o
*El: 3Z.JC-1J121-K, R.1ft:1}$( 3 l, llffl>.ltZo 1.ff.-slm+lm1Jid
. -1J.iE. :ntfz, [ l 1-+-=1J:rr$, Jt-BJ:, -=f-ZJ:lo
4

-ft l'oJ o

1666
[ 1] icv1-Jjl!;* w1-J.Rtft .LttlW: v - Wo ()
[ 2 ] Jltl!P:= 441 Wo ( $ )
V
544
[ 3 J 5 1-Jj(tft, 1-Jtn;*, x1-J* eyR:ffta<J:1f$o ( )
l

[ 4] ffjfif:B<Jftj.\jJ: x2 - 144 = 0 0 ( )

[ 4'i.f l

158
4',;ij" m 1 ll' {1 1 jt 666 o -i.- ll *k){_ 1kir-J 0 fo] : ll *' ){_
1k ;'] j j,?
$: *3;:6Jx_, X.11t-4Sjo
*:-;'J!l*,}{_'f1t- *-o-1
;l] 't :ft ' l ;'] :l. ,k. :ft ' :1t -t ' 1l Jlj 12 ;'] 3t- *
:i. 3t-...0"i J
0
1

lr-}0",0",ll*,){11t"o+Mc

6.
[ )t l
ffflfi-121, JtT:-R, :!t1ijtt-=m-1Ls-tt-1i>Co [ I) fl'Zi"-K;;f:
&R1ftlm-=t--t:::t ol 2 l fol: m;*, R1ftJL1fiJ?
B: *-31:;\.,R, Rfft;\.+li::t o
5. The price of a pi of silk is 1666 cash.[ 1 l It is said that the length of the pi is

fil of the price of one chi.[ 2

l Find the length of pi and the price of one chi.

Ans. Length, 3 zhang 6 chi;

price per chi, 45 j cash.

Process. Let the element tian be the qi lu l 3 l of the pi and also the price

of the chi. From the statement we have 144 for the negative shi and l for

the positive yu, a quadratic expression l 4 l whose root, 12, is the required

qi Lu. Dividing the numerator and the denominator of the given fraction

by the qi lu, we have the required number.

[ Notes J

[ I ] Let the length of pi be v, and the price of one chi w. That is, 1666
v
= w. ( G)

[ 2 ] That is, v = w. ( G)
159
[ 3 ] Let be the price of one chi, ";1 be the length of the pi, and x be the qi lu
5
of the length of the pi and also the price of one chi. ( C )

[ 4] The expression in modem form is the equation: x2 - 144 = 0. ( C)

6. A person sold 3 chi from a piece of embroidery and afterward sold the rest

for 2975 cash.( 1 l It is said that the whole length was less than the price of a chi

by 47.[zJ Find the length and one chi's price.

Ans. Length, 3 zhang 8 chi;

 *B:-*.ffl*Zoffl_f-s-+*'1. lm+
l!Y1'JJAjJ, -'1.iE. 3-jJ:ffz, l 3 lfl21* 0 .>Z.: ":JI.j(-'1R.1ft
toffl*Zo=ffts+li,.,.1i+1J.-'1.iE.n
H-Z, [ l qf R.-ffr o -g.rllJ o
4

[I] :;};:JC-x1-JI!!;*-, y1-)R.fft, lltllP: y (x - 3) =2975 0 (n)

[ 2 J lltf!P: y - x = 47 o ( $15)
[3] ff1f.:ita<Jl!.l!.ft'1: x2 + 44x - 3116 = 00 ()

[ 4] ff1fitff(Jft*.:it'1: y2 - 50y - 2975 = Oo ( )

[ if l
,ff4* 1 . A.=tT 3X., T{I-J=tJ 2$975X. o .R-i-*J;t.X.:.J,
47 X o loJ: *, X.;); J :),?
$: * 3 8 X., ,1.:f11' 85 o

160 *'-: ilk}t-;h *, **-Jl:.fulf. f:fj1J -3116 :h '*" -ti., 44

v::1-:/(P;fR 0

:h-*-. 1:h-*-. ff. *o X:

k}t-;hX.,ffl-, v::Z.;fR*>tlJt:.JW- 0 tlfj1J-2975:h't4t, -50:h-
*-. 1:h-*-. ff. lX.o +mMo

7.
[ m!)t l
1:i-s*+=m.-ns*+Jt. :ffi"!ll;o c 11 9-zrfiJ:0;3ffXliJt,
x3f. r1t:m-=1&0 c 21 rllJ = :m-111&11tJLfnJ?
=19
B:=s1i+Al21, 1ft*s=+1iJto
Jt(EI: ::RJG--191il, :tio:t:Zo 1iAJJ1if.=+im'1..
 -...
OJ C-
8
:,,;- (1)
price per chi, 85 cash.

Process. Let the element tian be the length of the whole piece. From the s.
:f
statement we have 3116 for the negative shi, 44 for the positive fang, and I .,,
(1)

0
c
for the positive yu, a quadratic expression f 3 l whose root is the required c
::::,
7'
::::,

length. Again let the element tian be the price of one chi. we have 2975
(/)

for the negative shi, 50 for the negative fang, and I for the positive yu, a

quadratic expression [ 4 l whose root is the required price.

[Notes]

[ 1 ] Let te element tian be the length of the pi. Use x for the tian. Let y be the

price of one chi. That is, y ( x - 3 ) = 2975. ( G )

[ 2 ) That is, y - x = 47. ( G )

[ 3 ) The expression in modem form is the equation: .x2 + 44x - 3116 = 0. ( C )

161
[ 4) The expression in modem form is the equation: y2 - 50y - 2975 = 0. ( C)

7. A man bought some piece of cloth for 162560 cash;[ 1 l the commission fee

on each piece was 5 cash. Since he had spent all his money for the cloth, he

saved the commission fee by giving two pieces of c)oth.l 2 l Find the number of

pieces he bought and the price of one piece.

Ans. 256 pieces;

 trl1r, -1-J.M.IW, -'-1fJfz,l 31 1t;(f.izfio
X: r.*:;c-1-Jll11ft.
iaffl*Zo+W.li1-J.M.1r.-.M. 1rJf
Z, l l 1tllli1ft o it'fiiJ o
4

[ jiff J
16 6
[I] .xn-xjg;tl:;{filffif{, yjglffi-fft, lltflP: 0 = y0 ()

[ 2] 3ftt.:1!3fAt&Jflt1JOOo 3fA-irJfiJAo .tltflP: 63:: 5 = 2o

()
[3] ffJJ:i:\:e{JlJ,IHt:r-\'.::*J: x2 - 2x - 65024 = 0 0 ( )
[ 4] :ffjfji'.;e{J3\Jtji'.;::/;J: y2 + 5y - 406400 = O o ( )

[ 4- J
4,ff{\ 162 }t 560 _:t, ::f. 4t o -i;;-.fj:- S . 5 j:_, JJl./ ::f. !f:-
,,
* 11J-.
*2*0 : -1j?
$: 256 ' 635 .:t O

;i(: ifR_j(,- ,iQ9;:fji" .ft, Y.A"51t1;f;;**-$jf 0 1l.f1J -65024;); '*"

a , a, a, it -'l'- , t-.t1J.- lt-J *
*
-2 39 - ik , 1 39 A ,k ,
162 a O x.. ;f.: . it R. ;it- 39 !!
.
' v). ;io ;f;; * .,t. ffi{f 1-1' .ttl -406400
O
.

-,539-tA,l-J, itf,*o
.rf fi)f J'o) o

8.
[ Jffi 3t l
-llli, 96.it-R, fF3f. .
. .
Q
,*-ffl:-a-i::+*Jco
[
I]

: llli-lf, R1fl''&l--3JZ-1rJfz., =ffiff, 1i+=o l21 loJ: l!!!-!f, R.

1fr4} JLfilJ?
B: llli-lf=kliR, R1ft+Jco
*8:*:-1!1-lfJf1r. ffl*zo - w=+1-1.
=+.M.1r. -W+=M. = +T-. -1-Jff,
-==-*ntfz.., 131 fflli, jjllli-KH1Jtko ttlPJo
 lJJ c...
8
(I)
price per piece, 635 cash. -.s:;
..,
Process. Let the element tian be the number of piece. From the statement
-
(I)
we have 65024 for the negative shi, 2 for the negative Jang, and l for the
c:
positive yu, a quadratic expression ( 3 l whose root is the required number.

Again let the element tian be the price of one piece of cloth. From the
statement we have 406400 for the negative shi, 5 for the positive fang, and
I for the positive yu, a quadratic expression l 4 l whose root is the required
number.

[Notes)
[ 1 ] Let the element tian be the number of pieces of the cloth. Use x for the tian.

Let y be the price of one piece. That is, 162560 = y. ( G)

x
[ 2) The ya qian is the commission fee which is received by Ya ren. The Ya ren
acts as a go-between person to make the business succeed. That is, ;: 2. ( G )
63 5
[ 3 ] The expression in modem fom1 is the equation: x1 - 2x - 65024 = 0. ( C )
163
[ 4 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: y2 + 5y - 406400 = 0. ( C )

8. After cutting a chi from a pi of gauze to pay the commission fee, the rest is
sold for 1176 cash.[ 1 l It is said that the sum of the square roots of the length
and of the price of one chi equals 12.l 2 J Find the length and one chi's price.
Ans. Length, 2 zhang 5 chi;
price per chi, 49 cash.
Process. Let the element tian be the square root of the length. From the
statement we have 1320 for the negative shi, 24 for the positive fang, 143
 [ l) ic.ll!;*'1v, R.fft'1w, Jltt!P: w (v - I)= 1176 0 ($15)

.l:. [2J Jltt!P: Iv+lw =l2 o ( )

[ 3] ff:JfJ:t(J{JJJe.1-ti:t1J: x4 - 24x3 + 143.x2 + 24x - 1320 = 0 0 ( !*)

[ i]
,4'-?,}'1 llf, 3t.fl1X.'1f*il, *'Jlr-J*1filljf]76 0 7'-i-:
llf *, .R..11r 1i' it-t , =--::t- ,tm/Ju, .Jl-1l 12o laJ: llf *, .R..11r n j :};'?
$-: ll * 2 ;{. 5 x., ){_ 11r 49 ){_ 0

;!(: iJL-n llf-!clr-JitA. YA-:!iu**-$.-W?o tf.f1-1320n't

a, 24JJ-;x. ilt, 143JJ.=..;x. i . -24JJ3..,k iA, 1 Ji
-&A, 1f. ff5, -!cif"Ao Mo

9.
[ m!:>e l
164
' ;t, *1lJ\.s11..+AXo ( I) fln-, *-R., 11
tt-s=+xo r 2 i fcJ: , R., 11t-*IL{"iiJ?
8:-;tR.. R.ffi-A+X;-::tR.. R.ffi-n+AXo
*B:3L*-1JR..*Zo==+@1liE. =+
Mn, -iErw, Jf-1r7fz, [ Jt!.lR..o X: :fr.:R:-1JR.ffi-,
3

jaffl*Zo ffl==fnW;\.+@. -s=+M1r. -.

3fl-jJJfz, [ l 1iR.1fr o Y..: 3t:R:-1J,Rf{, :!lo>JtZo 1t=
4

s=+1liE. =+111J. -1JiEfW, JJljJ:ffz, rsi flRfo

Y..: :ll.7(JG-1JR.ffi-, :!lo>Jtzo 1t==fns;\.+l!YJ-J.JE. -
s=+111J. -1JiEfW . .Ifl-1J7fz, 61 fflRffl'o il"fcJo
 g> f
O a.
:it:- et>
for the positive first Lian, 24 for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the positive ........ ....s:;
yu, an expression 13 J of the fourth degree whose root, 5, is the required ....
s.
square root of the length. :1'

....

c
::,
[ Notes l
0

[ l ] Let the length of the pi be v, and the price of one chi be w. That is, w ( v - l ) (/)

==:s:a
= 1176. ( G)

en-=
n !::
[ 2 ] That is, Iv + lw = 12. ( G ) - a::t

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x4 - 24x + 143x + 24x -

1320 = 0. ( C)
3 2

en=
n<

........z
n
:z:

en

9. There are three zhang of damask and gauze. The price of each piece is 896

cash.[ 1 l It is said that if we take a chi of each the price will be 120 cash.[ 2 J 165
Find the price of one chi of each kind and the length of each piece.
Ans. Damask, length, 1 zhang 4 chi; price per chi, 64 cash;
gauze, length, 1 zhang 6 chi; price per chi, 56 cash.

Process. Let the element tian be the number of chi in the damask. From the

statement we have 224 for the positive shi, 30 for the negative fang, and 1
for the positive yu, a quadratic expression ( 3 l whose root is the required
number. Again Jet the element tian be the price of one chi of damask. We
have 3584 for the negative shi, 120 for the positive fang, and 1 for the
negative yu, a quadratic expression[ 4 Jwhose root is the price of one chi of
 (jiff)

+ X
2
= 30, x1y1 = 896, XiJ
2 = 8960 ( )

[2J Jlt RP : y I + y2 = 120 0 ( )

[ 3] 3f1f:i:tff"J1-t%:i:t1-J: 2
X 1 - 30x 1 + 224 = O o (.)

[ 4] 3f:1f:it1J%:it;l;J: -y\ + I20y 1 - 3584 = O o (.)

[5] :Jf1f:itlJJ1JHt%it:;kJ: x\ - 30x2 + 224 = O o Jlt:Jf:1f:i:t !:,p:j(tfR..#ffl

. -=1Ifflfl2-1JTo()
[ 6 J :Jf:1f:i:tl'.mH-t%:it:1;J: y\ - 120y 2 + 3584 = O o Jltff7I:i:tJ:. tiR.ift
-ffl. -=1IW#21'.mTaC)

( 4-if J
4'-,1j"t.t_, 7 *'- 3-*., ,3.-{i 896 :.t.o 7' -i:.' !'!, 7 -3-- 1 }{_, *'-{!120 :.t. 0

1',;J : it, Y at.i }{_4t_:fri11\'"ilj '.],'?

$.: !t.1 -*. 4 }{_' X.11\'" 64 :.t.; 7 1 -*. 6 }{_' X.111" 56 :.t. 0
166
:-!'t.X.A, ***-o ff224
-30-*la, tA*tt, -Jr-f-*, t.t.X.Ao x..
:-t.t.X.11\'", ***-o ftl-3584
120 - ;k , a, - 1 J\l ;k_ i .a, -Jr-f- * , 1.:f iJ t.t.x.111'" o x..
=-YX.A, **Mo n4. -
3039-;k ,a, 139:l,;k ,a. -Jr-f-*, 4,fij Y x.a o 5t.:

1,l-39 Y X.11\'", f).***-o 1.lffrj 358439 'ta, -120

-*la,1:l.*ta, -Jr-f-*,YX.11\'"o ffl

g, &;-
0 0.

_.
...... s:::
(!)
damask. Again let the element tian be the number of chi of gauze. From
the statement we have 224 for the positive shi, 30 for the negative fang, ...
a
':::T
and I for the positive yu, a quadratic expression[ 5 lwhose root is the num- "T1

ber of chi of gauze. Again let the element tian be the price of one chi of
c...c
0

:::::,
gauze. We have 3584 for the positive shi, 120 for the negative fang, and I
:;,<;"
:::::,
0
1:
:::::,
for the positive yu, a quadratic expression[ 6 l whose root is the price of one (fl

chi of gauze.
--
n-
en m
-=
:1:11
enP :a
[Notes] n-c
en=
....
[ I ] Let the element tian be the number of the damask. Use x, for the tian. Let y,
=:z
be the price of one chi in the damask, x2 the number of the gauze, y2 the price of one chi
...en....
[ 2 ] That is, y 1 + y2 = 120. ( G )

( 3] The expression in modem forrn is the equation: x; - 30x1 + 224 =. 0. ( C)

[ 4] The expression in modem form is the equation: -y; + I 20y 1 - 3584 = 0. ( C)

167
f S ] The expression in modem form is the equation: xi- 30x2 + 224 = 0. In fact,

this equation is the same as the equation for the number of chi in the damask. It is an

example of a quadratic equation with two roots. ( C )

[ 6] The expression in modem form is the equation: Yi - l 20y2 + 3584 = 0. In

fact, this equation is the same as the equation for the price of one chi of damask. It is also

an example of a quadratic equation with lwo roots. ( C )


Lin Su Hui Qiu ( Problems on Store

:,,. CD
_s:;
House for Grain ) ...
g_
::::T
6 Problems
-n
...c
0
c:

::,
7'
1. The capacity of a fang cang is 576 hu.r I l It is said that the width of the fang ::,
0

:::,

cang is less than the length by 3 chi and the depth is two-thirds of the
Cl)

width;l 2 l 2 chi 5 cun equals one hu. Find the length, width, and depth of the
"\
fang cang.

Ans. Length, 15 chi; width, 12 chi; depth, 8 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the length of the fang cang. From the

statement we have 2160 for the negative shi, 9 for the positive fang, 6 for

the negative Lian, and I for the positive yu, a cubic expression ( 3 l whose

root is the required length.

169
(Notes]
[ I ] Let the length of the fang cang be b, the width a, and the depth c. 2 cubic

cun equals one hu. That is, abc 7 21 = 576. ( G)

[ 2 J That is, b - a = 3, c = i a. (G)

[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 - (u-2 + 9x - 2160 = 0. ( C )

2. The capacity of a yuan tun is 3641 hu ' l. It is said that the shang zhou is the
great-half of the xia zhou and the height is the small-half of the xia zhou r 2 l.

Find the zhou and the height of the tun.

 [jiff]
r 1 J mn l!!1l ep {JLJJ:* i Er-Jmll, i.c.)t..t.JNJ ,i 11 , "FmJ.:1-.7 12 r.fJ:h 11, < JLifJt:
;f:) tfiltJtf*ffl0:i:-t1J V = 3 ( / 1/ 2 + q +I) h o {lru:n;li.) {t!ffl {JL11r7tc)

1-J0:ito 1-JJM 2 R 3 o Jltij:E!fJ: 3 ( / 1 /2 + l + t; ) h -;- 2 :;;; 3641 C )

[ 2 ] Jltl!P: / I :;;; : 12 ' h :;;; 1120 ( ,i)

[3] 3fn:i\'.:a{JJJH-t%:it:1-J: x3 - 13824 :;;; O o ( )

[]
4-*IMI. l:=ffAt36410 ,,---J:.ftlTJ.ij i, TJ.ij Jo
f.;J: J:.ftl, T ftJ, h $ :;,?
$:J:.ft124X, TJ.ij36X, 12X o
170
;f.: ikJt-j; J:.ftl, :,{;fY.;:t;:i-*-Jt.M o 1f.f1J -13824 j; 'fA.ljl, 1

;9-JA, *, tffJ:.ftlo Mo

3.
[ ffl!)t]
/.;-ml. -:st=R. JW.Jlm:stJ\.Ro [ I) !a&mi:t=iimo flL"B:ie
tll s ;\. +imfff [ 2 Jo r6J = x1*JLM?
B: 1*-tRo
*B:-ft.ffl*o-;\..-ff+
JAJf, :Jf:3-;fffii-, ( 3) li7* o {tfll] o
 -
OJ
8
(t)
Ans. Shang zhou, 2 zhang 4 chi;
::;

-
xia zhou, 3 zhang 6 chi; ....

height, 1 zhang 2 chi.

,,
CD

0
c:
Process. Let the element tian be the shang zhou. From the statement we
c
:::,
have 13824 for the negative shi and 1 for the positive yu, a cubic expres -;,<:'
:::,

:::,
sion [ 3 l whose root is the required shang zhou. (J)

[Notes]
[ l ] A yuan tun is a bin in the form of a frustum of a cone, the same as the yuan ting

in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures.Let its shang zhou be /1 , xia zhou 12 ,

height h. The formula of its volume given by The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Proce

dures is as follows: V = 3 ( IJ2 + I\ + f\ ) h. The Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns

used the formula in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures. The volume of one

hu is 2 chP. This statement means: ( / 1 /2 + f\ + /2,- ) h + 2-1 = 364 4 . ( G )

3 2 5
[ 2 ] That is, /1 = /2, h = ; /2 . ( G )
171
[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: x-' - 13824 = 0. ( C )

3. The height of a yuan tun which is filled with grain is 12 chi and its circum

ference 48 chi.c 1 1 After taking out 384 hu ( 2 l, what will be the depth of the
remaining grain?
Ans. 7 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the depth of the remaining grain. From the
statement we have 1008 for the negative shi and 144 for the positive fang,
an expression l 3 l without any yu whose root is the required depth.
 [ ) l
[ 1 J Jlt!MIIIRPm!tt.:. ic.J'tfcil1'J l, f.fJjJ h, {fL:t;tJt:*} llif*.ffl0Aj;J:
V = 1 Pho { ll!J:,cJi} {fJfl { 1L1it)f*} a<J0i-to ( )
[ 2] :x:rc-xJ-J. llil:1.J;(EIM]['f,li:fl(J<J;Wj;Yg 12 - x, lz;]Jlt I l2 ( 12 -
x) = 21 x 3840 ( )

[ 3] ff:1JAa<J{"t%i-t19: 144x - 1008 = Oo .*ffl:1'Jff:j"j[W.:ijl-1J o ( )

[ A,it l
m. 12){_, 48a AT. **-o
tl!-!-T 384 " li>J: J{r-J. {r-J :h $, '..!t'?
: 9;9 7 J{_o
;K: ii.R.JG-;hi, y::J.1(o::fP-;t**-Jl:.Wf 0 1ff1J-10083'J'f4t, 144
3'J-J4t, *;t, ;t. ff-o +o

4.
[ Jffi)t l
172 1=I:1f-fr, rnI!Effl-Ji)r", m=:-=p s-+=-iio (lflL"'ttJ'-=f-fr-ff
-ft:,
*' rJLfuJ?
LT!IR., $-=f-ft-7*=-R., X$ml=:5tz.-, Efflo [zJ lol: Effl
i0i, 1*,
s: -frr-J\.R.. *=x-=R. -x/,R;
l'.ffi12-3f::=R., -"j:J\.R., JIJ_3f::;,-\R.o

=1:liE .
*B:-'ttr.ffl*Zoffl-=s=-+,
+=:1f, _,_,)A,., .:tr:nffz., ( 3) -t-frr o ,frfciJo
[ ).]
[ 1 )JltlM]IIZ)J'j;JIMJtif*: o ic.1Jft1.J1, *' JtIJ1'Ja, b, c; lffll(J<JJ!:L '
1?tU1'll, h, d, JltRP: (abc + 1 Ph) + 2i = 33120 ()
[ Notes J
[ 1 ] The yuan tun is a bin in the form of a cylinder. Let its circumference be l, and

its height h. The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures has provided its formula of

volume, that is, V = i

1
l2h. The Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns used the formula in

The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures. ( G )

( 2] Let the element tian be the depth of the remaining grain. Use x for the tian. The

=en=-=
1 2
height of the grain taken out of the yu.an tun is J 2 - x. Therefore, 1 ( 12 - x ) -
12
21 x 384. ( G) n :::::::
:a
[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 144x - 1008 = 0. Zhu Shijie
en
- :a
called it extracting an equation without any yu. ( C )
n-=:
n
......
z
z
en

4. A fang cang and a yuan tun contain 3312 hu of grain.r I l The width of the
cang is less by 4 chi than the length, but exceeds its depth by two chi; it
exceeds also the diameter of the tun by one-half and equals the height of the
173
tun. l 2 1 Find the heights, lengths, and widths of each.
Ans. Cang, width, 18 chi; length 22 chi; height, 16 chi.
Tun, diameter, 12 chi; height, 18 chi; circumference, 36 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the width of the cang. From the statement
we have 12420 for the negative shi, 12 for the negative fang, 3 for the
positive Lian, and 2 for the positive yu, a cubic expression l 3 lwhose root is

the required width.

[ Notes l
[ l J The yuan tun is also a bin in the form of a cylinder. Let fang cang' s width,
 [2] .tit [J : b - a = 4 , a - c = 2 , a - d = 1 d, a = h o ( )

[ 3] ffjj.it;tr,Jf\:.it;:'}g; 2x3 + 3x2 - 12x - 12420 = 0 0 ( )

[ 4-i.f l
4'--*' mJ-JiJf, M'-==4At3312o 7'-z-t"J:t.*Y4..R., J:t.
j2..R., J:t.aaf.aM:*f",*,

!Ml .1i. , , ;lJ j '.J,?

$: *f"lk8..R., *2k2..R., lk6..R.;
m).1i.atk2..R., lk8..R., 3k6..R. o
;K; il.ic,-;l}r, f).-;(07fi!-4c.Jt-W? o fi"jlJ-12420;lJ't:k.
- 12 jJ - ik i 4t, 3 jJ ..::.. ik i , 2 jJ :iii ik i , -fr .ft. 7f , 1
ff j,J r O ,ff- rJr 1oi o

5.
[ m{)t]
:tf{t[Y, ml1i. ':[Yf---ts7"+J\.o[I) ,R_ft:1f!OC9=1-*, El
114 * --t;R., !:jffflii; X1!0C9='$, El*, o=R.. !fl{tf*fii];
ft:n$r!$11=R.or 21 l'cJ: 1t, f!ffl, 7*, 1I, 1-*JLM?
El: ,fr1J-::st' 7*-::st:JLR.;
1?cj\.R. ' j{lj ::stJ\.R. 0

*B:*-{t$:1fOO,taffl*Zo -=f-=+n.
= s-+M1J. = +*.*+=A.=+-M.
*1JffZ, [J) f-*:tfftffiio irfoJo

[ -]
[ 1 J .tlt1J-fr :'}i]jjt1 f* , !Ml ZJJ' :;1g !Ml tt f* ie1I -fr 119::n , 7* 5tJU :;1g a , b; !m mJ
o

a<Jifo, )tIJ:'}g h, d, JltP: ( 4a2b + 5 x-t d2h) + 2} = 4768 0 ( )


.
length. and height be a, b, and c. Let yuan tun 's circumference, height, and diameter be I, -a

(D

-2.
h, and d. That is, ( abc + Ph ) 7 2 = 3312. ( G )
1
[ 2 J That is, b - a = 4, a - c = 2, a - d = 1 d, a = h. ( G )
.,,
(D

[ 3 J The expression in modern form is the equation: 2x3 + 3x2 - 12x - 12420 =
0
...
c:
c
"::::,
::::,

0. ( C)
::::,
CJ>

==
-=
n

-=
...
cn:S:.
n<
enc=
-...=-=
n

...
:z:
en

5. There are four fang cang and five yuan tun containing 4768 hu of grain.11 l

It is said that the square of one-half of the side of the cang diminished by 7 chi ..
;
\'
is equal to the height of the tun; the square of one-half of the diameter of the
175
tun increased by 3 chi is equal to the depth of the cang; and a side of the base

of the cang exceeds the diameter of the tun by 2 chi. l 2 l Find the height, the

diameter, and a side of each.

Ans. Cang, side, 1 zhang; depth, 1 zhang 9 chi.

Tun, diameter, 8 chi; height, 1 zhang 8 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be one-half of a side of the base of the cang.

From the statement we have 12025 for the negative shi, 210 for the posi

tive fang, 26 for the negative first Lian, 62 for the negative last Lian, and 31
,.
for the positive yu, an expression ! 3 l of the fourth degree whose root is the
 [2J.11teP: (a) 2 -7=h; <1d) 2 +3=b; a-d=2o()

[ 3 ] 7f1JB9ft1g: 3 lx4 - 62x3 - 26.x2 + 210x - 12025 = Oo ( )

[]
4 Ji)f * ,t- , 5 Ji)f 00 m, .t:: 4 4 7 6 8 AA- o -i. : * ,t- if.J * .ill. if.J
!, **1K. OOma1.J; oom1aWJ!, .i3K,
*-t-if.J; *-t-a'.J*.i!l.ttOOmA&J2Ko M: *,t-*' '
!Ml mJi.1, h j :Y?
$: *,t-* 1 :t.., f 1 :t.. 9 K;
[I) m Ji 1 8 K , 1 :t.. 8 Ko
;,j(. : i JG- h *,t-{r-J *.ill.al.] !' *
y ;fR* -tlJt M- 1f j1J - 12025
0

h 'tft19l, 210 jl;-ik.> ft, -26 h .:::.;k,19i R,_ft, -62 h ..=..ik.19l

ft ' 31 h :& ik. .tJi ft ' -Jt "2!1 i.k.* ' 1t.-1l JJ * {r,J * .i!L {r,J .rt ! 0

Ji)f fol o

.'
. ,'r. 6
--
. '
[ Jffi)t J
176
-=f jl,+:RJUllJ\.4, ffl-fr:, 11-*-!Jt:Zo .srz.Jt!!JtZo (I] P, /
/

-fr:K$-fr:R..&llmJ=:st;-fr:--$:lt!! R.;-fr:ju ,/
-fr:K=:5tz-; WIIII, *111tll!l+;\.R.; jf;JJZ-:lt!! EI*, :boA
!::j.ffllo [ 2] luJ: -*1f JLfiiJ?
B:tt*-:RR., ;\.R.. 1LR.;
EfflWJ_:st:RR.' jflj-:st=R.;
m im:st=R.' ./\R.o
*El: 1I.-JcJC-J;ltti*, UfJ*Zo 1J1in.=:.=f ;\.s:fL+_j;;M,
=f=w-+ Mn,-+1\.j;;Mk. J\.+=M=.-+
J;JM"'"F -J;JiEIW, llY*n:ffZ,[3 1 1ttto 3l..3t-Jc7e-J;J,ft-ff,
ffl*Zoffl-+lmH:R=f-W-+=J;J.llYJJllY=flms:R+J;J
 required one-half of a side of the base of the cang.

[Notes]
[ I ] The fang cang is a bin whose base is a square, the yuan tun is also .a bin in the c
::::,
-;,;;
::::,
form of a cylinder. Let fang cang s side be a, and its depth b. Let yuan tuns height h, and

!
::::,
v,
its diameter d. That is, ( 4a b + 5 x
2
d h ) -:- 2 = 4768. ( G )
2

I
[ 2 ] It must be a mistake. Now I revise. That is, ( a ) 2 - 7 = h; (-d)2 + 3
2
== b; a - d = 2. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 31 - 62.x3 - 26x1 + 21 Ox

- 12025 = o. ( C)

6. There are 1096 hu 8 dou of grain. One cang and one tun are filled from it

and the rest is heaped on the floor. r 1 l It is said that the length of the cang
177
exceeds its depth by 7 chi, but is less than the circumference of the tun by 20

chi. The depth of the cang exceeds the height of the heap by 3 chi; the width

of the cang is one-half of its length; the sum of the circumference and the

height of the tun is 48 chi; and the sum of the square of the height of the heap

and the height of the heap is equal to the circumference of its base.l 21 Find the

dimensions of the three.

Ans. Cang, length, l zhang 6 chi; width, 8 chi; depth, 9 chi.

Tun, circumference, 3 zhang 6 chi; height, 1 zhang 2 chi.

Heap, circumference of the base, 4 zhang 2 chi; height, 6 chi.

 JA1i, ;\.-=f1LstL+=11...tffli, JLs_+1':JgJA= im+;'-11
rffli, -jJiE. ll9*1fffz, ! l fift*o .>(}L7(JG-1J{tlm], ll
4

1.R>ltzo 1f-7f J\.=f =s/, +llYjgJid, -7f-=f-s-+n1JJA

1r.im-=fims1L+A:Jg...t.11s_+*:JgJA=.11+*:Jgr
LI, lm1JJA, llY*1fffz,(sJ1fftlml o JZ..1l7(JC-jgJli:I, :!(11.f.R
>1tzo1t=-=f-sn-s-+=11._Ef;'-+*n--=f sim+
11JA1i, =+Rli sn+=:Jg...t, ;\.-=f-ts-t+RjgJA=
-sllY+ ;\.1Jrfflt, -jgiElfM, ll9*1iffz, r i 1tfi!3o JZ.JI.7( 6

JG-jJ.toffl*Zo =s-+n=-=f1Ls1L+=:Jg.A+
7f;\.s-t +*jg1Ji1J, *fi- -=f-A *+:JgJA...t, -=flms _jJfli=
1L+=_jJJAr. -jg. im*1iffz, r 11 1tlio JZ.JI.7(
JC-11.iaffl*Zoffllmlflm-=f-ts-+=jg.--=fims=
+1-1JA1f, =s;\.+ ;\.jgJA...t. -+ /\11JA= =11JAr. -
.1Ji, llY*JfJfZ, ff o -ftfAJo (S]

[ jiff ]
1 [l)JitnKn.tt.--on.K,
7t}JIJa, b, c; IMla'1ffll, f.fj7tIJl ' h,; 3JL-,P.ij, (,lj7tj]IJ/ , h , {fL
l 2 2

j):jl:*} ffii:i:}Jif*lt::itf*0A V = }6t\h 3ll-1'] 1 .ffilto Jltl!P: ( abc +

2; 8
_l 2 1
. 2 1 -- 1096 4 " llnl
/ h +
12 1 1 36 t\ h 2 ) 2 '7
5 ( )
[2)Jitl!P: b-c=7, l1 -b=20, c-h2 =3, a- 2b, h+l,=48, h\+

h2 = /20 ( )

[ 3] ffni:\'.:1-t%A;*J: xS - 13.x" + 82x 3 - 18.xl + 2313x - 52893 = Oo ( )

[ 4] ff1.f:i:t1JJ!.i!ft%:i:t;*J: x - 48.x" + 936x3 - 8992x 2 + 44460x - 146112 =

O o ( )

[ 5] ffn5:\:J},l!ft%i:\'.:: 4xS - 96.x" + 936x3 - 4496x2 + 111 lSx - 18264 =

Oo ( )
 O

c. r-
::,,:- (D
Process. Let the element tian be the depth of the cang. From the statement ....... s:;
we have 52893 for the negative shi, 2313 for the positive fang, 18 for the ....
negative first Lian, 82 for the positive second Lian, 13 for the negative last -
(D
"T1
Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression l 3 I of the fifth degree whose 0
c:
c
root is the required depth of the cang. Again let the element tian be the ::::,
A
::::,
length of the cang. From the statement we have 146112 for the negative shi, :::,

44460 for the positive fang, 8992 for the negative first Lian, 936 for the posi
tive second Lian, 48 for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an
expressiod 4 bf the fifth degree whose root is the length of the cang. Again
let the element tian be the width of the cang. We have 18264 for the negative
shi, 11115 for the positive fang, 4496 for the negative first Lian, 936 for the
positive second Lian, 96 for the negative last Lian, and 4 for the positive yu, an
expressionl 5 bf the fifth degree whose root is the width of the cang. Again
let the element tian be the circumference of the tun. From the statement we
have 23000112 for the negative shi, 3863340 for the positive fang, 260352
for the negative first Lian, 8776 for the positive second Lian, 148 for the nega
tive last Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression I 6 l of the fifth degree 179

whose root is the circumference of the tun. Again let the element tian be
the height of the tun. From the statement we have 2302992 for the positive
shi, 600876 for the negative fang, 63360 for the positive first Lian, 3400 for
the negative second Lian, 92 for the positive last Lian, and 1 for the negative
yu, an expression f 7 l of the fifth degree whose root is the height of the tun.
Again let the element tian be the height of the heap of grain. From the state
ment we have 44712 for the negative shi, 3420 for the positive fang, 288 for
the positive first Lian, 16 for the positive second Lian, 2 for the positive last
Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression ls J of the fifth degree whose
root is the height of the heap.
 [ 6] ff:nj:.\'.;JJHtm.i.\1-J: x5 - 148x 4 + 8776x 3 - 260352x 2 + 3863340x

- 23000112 = Oo ( )
[ 7 J ff:nj:.\'.;JW.ftm1-J: -x5 + 92x4 - 3400x3 + 63360.r - 600876x + 2302992
..t = Oo ( )
[ 8] ff::1JAJJ!f\:%A1-J: x5 + 2x4 + 16x3 + 288x2 + 3420x - 44712 = 0 0 ( !*)

[ 4-]
4- .1.1096 s +. m *, 111 m --3---.r,r.t=.lf..
Jt.:-t:f:, Jft..t-f-.M!,
A:h-+1110: **J1}{_, lllaJfol2;
*m:J-j3J{.;*}; im' .t:h
*,
48 ){_; Jt:. IJ ift :hu'i?; fr-) gJ
I], imfo], ;hj?
T't: fol o Iii]: * *, i), *,

$: fr-J*16J{., 8X, 9J{.;

m]fo] 3 6X, j5j 1 2J{.;
m:J1ft fol 42 ){_, 6 J{_o
: -i9:.*..JC.-:h*fr-JI, v:l.-:h,***-Jt..Nf- 0 1.ff.-52893 :h'fft
, 2313 :J.i-;k.>9i '!i:.4t, -18 :h.::..*- ia, 82 :h -=-;k.'Ji a:.a, -13

-o :
:heik.>9ilA, 1:hA*-ta, jf-Aik.j;-, -+MM*
JG-:h** ***-Jt.wfo
-146112:J.J'fa, 44460:h-*- ia, -s992:J.J.::..;k. ia, 936
:h..=..ik.'Ji ia, -48 :he*- t4t., 1 :h A ik. i4t., *A*-*, 1t.
180 1--ftl-Jii]J!*fr-) * o : -i9.:.*..JC.-:h Jiij, v:1.-:h,*
**--1.-M- o 1.JJ1J -18264 :h 't4t.>9i, 11115 :J.i-;J:.. i.tt, -4496 ;h.::..
*- i a, a,
936 :h -=-ik. a:. -96 :h e ik. i a,
4 :h :iii ;k. i
.ft,jf-Aik.*,#MMfr-J*lr-Jo :.*..JC.-:hll
*
fol , v:1.-:h, ;flJt Ni-o1.ffJ -23000112 :h4t., 3863340 :h
-ik. ia. -260352 :h .::..ik.>9i ,a. -s116 :J.i-=-;k. ia. -148 :h
*-ta,1:hA*-'!i:.a, jf-ik.*,#MMll
fol o : -i9:JG-:h Ill,fA111j;-*.;RJt:.Nf o 1.fftl2302992
:h, -600876 :J.i-;k.'9i, , 63360 ;J;.::..;k.. , -3400 :h
-=-*-ta. :he*-ta, -1:hA*-ta, *A*-*
-MMlllo =JG-:hllliftlr-J. -:h,*
**-.t.-M- o 1l-Jtl -44712 :h-ta, 3420 ;h-ik. , 288 j.J.::..ik.
,a. 16:h..=..ik.ia, 2:J.ieik.ta. 1 :hAik.'Jita. -Jt
Aik.j;-,IIJiftlr-Jo#.Mo
[Notes)
[ l ] The fang cang is a cuboid, the yuan tun is also a bin in the form of a cylinder,

and the heaped grain on the floor is in the form of a cone. Let the fang cang 's width be a,

length b, and depth c. Let the yuan tun 's circumference be /1 , and height h 1 Let the heaped

grain's circumference be 12, and height h2 The volume's formula was given by the wei su

method in the chapter shang gong ( consultations on engineering works ) in The Nine

Chapters of Mathematical Procedures. It is as follows: V::: l;hi- 8 dou is 1 hu. That is,
3
( abc + 1:h, + /h2) + 2
1 3
! = 1096 : . ( G)

[ 2 ] That is, b - c == 7, /1 - b = 20, c - h2 == 3, a = b, h + 11 = 48, h; + h2 =

/2. ( G)

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x5 - 13.x" + 82x3 - l 8x2 +

2313x - 52893 = 0. ( C)

[ 4 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: .s - 48x4 + 936x3 - 8992x2

+ 44460x - 146112 = 0. (C)

[ 5 l The expression in modem form is the equation: 4.x-5 - 96.x" + 936x3 - 4496x2
181
+ 1 l l 15x - 18264 = 0. ( C)

[ 6] The expression in modem form is the equation: x5 - 148.x" + 8776x3 - 260352x2

+ 3863340x - 23000112 = 0. ( C)

[ 7 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: :....x-5 + 92x4 - 3400.x3 + 63360x2

- 600876x + 2302992 = 0. ( C )

[ 8] The expression in modem form is the equation: x5 + 2x4 + 16x3 + 288x2 +

3420x - 44712 = 0. ( C)
 1.

.t
[ fflt)t]
fl ffl$t [11- , ttffl llY S)\.+ J\."}J1i. T-a fill+ ImR o f ..R r Ij "E;;

l*l, )'r-s;\.R, _tpg, ;,rim:st=R. _t, rrWJ7\-t-R.,

_t,rl*JWJ7\R.,r,toAR,$_t,-:st-R.,lk._t
JaJ-JJ7\=f=s=+imR. o r 21 1t-ftm. 5E, :sl:o li:iJ:
l*l, 7r, f.iilk._t, r,, #tl1*4}1tJLfPJ?
a= rr.mJJL.m-=.+, r-1.mJJLJM;\.$-=R., ,-:st;\.R;
_t)'r JWJ JL.m-+;\.$-. r-1 Ja:111.m ntt- -R.. r -tR.;
= :st ImR. ;
7*-:st-R=-t-:n=a-t+:n?t-tz-t+lmo c 1 3

#B:*-tJjWj.ffl*ZofflllYs1\.+1\.JJ:li=f=sim+im
1-J, -+ ;\.JJ7\-=f-1LWfill+ ;\.1-J-JJ..jf, -7J7\=f =s[!Y+-ttJJA
182
h1l, -:1-J.i.E. :5L1iff-Z, C l 1i=-:stfil1Ro -fl<:bn*Zo >J<J
4

7*#B: fill-ffl,-:1'1o X.r)'rWJ#A7\,.H.)'r

tlr-*, LV.tf,*Z, llt*ffil-, ePtli*o li:iJo rsi
tlf!o

[ )tff]
[ 1]Jltl?ID.!Jitl'19m '=i { :tL11t*} jftje':Jittl11!!.fflli'il, *:t{llIl!o icite':J
..t, ri . ..t, r*. j\itj5tJJ1J1iJa,, a b b h, {n.1f:;:}:le':J1*0A1-l:
2, 1 , 2

v = 61. [ ( 2bI + b2 ) a I + ( 2b2 + bI ) a ] h ' 2

icdBrt!i.:lml.!Jite':J..tP-J, ;,Jal. rl*J, jJal0-11 1-1,,. L,. 1 L <.1L*

1:E:Ji0:i:t9l b = i ( I, + L ), b = i ( / + L ), i:J>1tlttlY1!!. ( lffl.!lit) 111*0
2, 2

1 1 2 2 2

Jltlfilp: V = J j [2 x ( /1 + L +(/ + L
1
) 2
+ [2 2
i( l + L +
)) a 1 x 2 2
)
 Shang Gong Xiu Zhu ( Problems on
Labor)
7 Problems

c
I. The volume of the wall of a round city is 4885344 chi. r I J It is said that the
s
::::,

difference between the interior and exterior circumferences at the bottom of i::::,
the wall is 108 chi, the difference between the circumferences at the top is 42
(J)

chi, the difference between the exterior circumferences of the top and the
bottom is 60 chi, the interior circumferences differ from each other by 6 chi,
the width at the bottom is less than the height by 6 chi but exceeds the width
at the top by 11 chi, and the height is less than the interior circumference at
the top by 16224 chi.r 2 l If a ditch whose width is 30 chi is dug close to the
bottom of the wall and the earth is used for the building of the wall, what
should be the depth of the ditch? What are the exterior and interior circumfer
ences of both the top and the bottom, and the width and the height of the wall?
Ans. Bottom of the wall:
exterior circumference, 9 Ii, 30 bu;
interior circumference, 9 Ii 8 bu 2 chi;
183
width, I zhang 8 chi.
Top of the wall:
exterior circumference, 9 Ii, 18 bu;
interior circumference, 9 Ii 9 bu 3 chi;
width, 7 chi.
Height of the wall:
2 zhang 4 chi.
Depth of the ditch:
74
1 zhang 3 chi 2 10275 cun. r 3 1
Process. Let the element tian be the height of the city wall. From the state
ment we have 4885344 for the negative shi, 186948 for the negative fang,
16247 for the positive lian, and I for the positive yu, a cubic expression r 4 j
 1
2 ( /1 + L, ) ] a2 I h = 4885344 0 ( flS )
[ 2 J Jlt l!P : L2 - /2 = 108, L 1 - /
1 = 42, L2 - L, = 60, 12 - /1 = 6 , h - a2 =

6, a2 - a1 = 11, l 1 - h = 16224 0 ( )

[ 3 ] 5 R. = 1 ;$ , 2 ;$ = 1 3t , 180 3t = 360 ;$ = I o ( )

[ 4 J :ff1J89J!.ef\Jj.\1'J: x3 + 16247x2 - 186948x - 4885344 = Oo ( )

[ 5 J !ltilt#iJ09V-.iii;/-J-ilff. !f#iJ(l<Jrep;a;, ic1'Ja3; jtrJ;J.fflll!PIMli.1&89"""F

m L2, 7'fflhc1'J
7'J"J
-tt- ,
L3, )fl([Ml)\lij<p 3, Ji!tl L 3 =
L
(1r
2
+ 2a 3 ) 1T
L2
= (3 + 2a3 ) x 3 =

L2 + 6a3, ffi (JL:f:.*) lfffi*, jtjffijg i [ L2 + ( L2 + 6a3)] a3o icif

891'1 h3, Jiltljt-f*j;J 2 [ L2 + ( L2 + 6a3 )) a3h3 o ffi ( J1i;t1f*) ifff--: '!1
:It!!. 4, j;J!J 3, 1MJ 89-f*jg V = x i [ L2 + ( L2 + 6a1 ) ] a3h3 , $ ; + iL[ 2 +

( L2 + 6a3 ) J a3 l!P:.fl:Jli*o ( $)

[ff]
+4--00. 4885344.R..o : T,JJJ
10 8R.., , JJJ42R.., , TJJJMR.., , TJJJ
1 s4 ;tm. 6R.., T r J;t. j5j '.),' 6R.., tt.r111 R... .!=i JJJ ;tm. 16224
R..o---.400. 4-r3o : 00
<f.J, ,r, . , Tr. a<f.J,?
$: <f.JTJJ19I30ffe, JJ19I8ffe2R.., Tl8R..;
,rJJJ 9 .E 18 ffe, JJJ 9 .E 9 ffe 3 R.., r 1 R..;
2 4R..o
74
.ftit:J <f.J i*- 1 3 R.. 2 10275 -t O

Jf(: ii;it-, ),,A:#**'-Jt.o 1.lf-flj -4885344 'f 19i,

-186948 - ;k 19i i ft , 16247 -=- ik19i i ft, 1 Jil;_ ft , -Jt

:#, 24R.. -,<f.J*i***o 0
 whose root is 24, the required height of the wall. The other dimensions can ---...

::,i;- ('D

-
be obtained from the addition and subtraction method. The method for
finding the depth of the ditch is as follows: Multiply the volume of the wall ('D
"Tl
0
by 4, then divide the product by 3, the result thus obtained is dividend. c
c
:::,
Find the sum of the exterior circumference at the bottom of the wall and 6
0

times the width of the ditch and this circumference, divide by 2, then mul- en

tiply th quotient by the width of the ditch for the divisor. After dividing
the dividend by the divisor we have the required depth. [ 5 l

[Notes]
[ l ] The round city' s form is the same as qu chi in the chapter shang gong of The

Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures.Its method is like chu tong. Let chu tong' s

upper width be a 1 , lower width a2 , upper length b 1 , lower length b2, height h. Its volume

formula given by The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures is as follows:

V = ! [ ( 2b 1 + b2 ) a 1 + ( 2b2 + b 1 ) a 2 ] h.
185
Let qu chi or round city's interior circumference at the top be /1 , exterior circumfer-

ence at the top L 1, interior circumference at the bottom 12 , exterior circumference at the

bottom top L2 The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures used b1 = ( L 1 + L1 ), b2

= ( /2 + L2) in the formula of chu tong for the volume of qu chi ( or round city ).

According to the statement, that is, V = ! I [ 2 x ( /1 + L 1

) + ( /2 +)]a, + [ 2 x
( /2 + L2 ) + ( / 1 + L 1 ) ] a2 I h = 4885344. ( G )

[ 2] That is, L2 - l2 = 108, L 1 - /1 = 42, L2 - L1 = 60, l2 - /1 = 6, h - a2 = 6,

a2 - a,= 11,/1 - h = 16224. (G)

[ 3] 5 chi = I bu, 2 bu = l zhang, 180 zhang = 360 bu = 1 li. ( C)

[ 4] The expression in modern form is the equation: x3 + 16247x2 - 186948x -
 --Z: 4. 3z. #o OO
WJ T 7r ftl i,tJ r WJ 6*T 1r ftliij.:ba, .-:i. 2,.-:i.itt:J WJ r .3ftz, #
*o *, -o o

2.
[ Jffi>C ]

186
4-iJLJj"-' itlm=f1i.slZ9-t--Jf--t=fAW R.o ( J ,R = ""fffiijr
I

:n-+. *n-,#Ar,.fflA+no X*n8jn..t.

,=tv
oo;,r:n-==fns 1m+7\o ..t. oo l*J ., 5'r:n- im o ..t. oo5'rn or iii l*l
1r /,-W o ..t., r o ..t.,;;f.&1itv-R. ( 21 4-fiimJf:I . .ffl.1@1
tJJ1117tl!*i1L .&Ytt!?)Jio 4-711!..t.,=:stliR.,r,=xo r Ji,f;f;;h 3

l*J' 5'r:?kirffl==ftmsJJ-1-o Jt'HJ-1-*-R., !mini'' =-t

-*o r 1 4IJA El m-:9:=-t-imR, 'ffJA El.&-fQiz1it_+-1-o 4-n
4

JJA. -o : , r,*n,,.&. *9711!&

1JJJ?
s:r5'r:n--+m-+$, 1*1:n--+m,,=xnR;
L5'1J-+ /\tv, l*l1J-+ !it=$, , -;t;
 CD'-
o
O
Q)
::,,.- Q.
CD
4885344 = 0. ( C ) ...... s:;
...
[ 5 ]The horizontal section of the ditch is in the form of a ring. The ditch's width is
-
CD
the diameter. Use a3 for it. The interior circumference is the exterior circumferences at the
...c
c:
bottom of the round city, L2 . Use L3 for the exterior circumference. The value of 1r is 3. :::,
-;,,;
:::,
L
Then. L3= ( ,r
L2 + 2a
3
) 1T = <-f + 2a 3
) x 3=L2 + 6a 3 According to the huqn tian :::,
Cl>

method in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures, its area is .l [ L,. + ( L2 +

2
6a3 ) ] a3 Let the depth of the ditch be h3 Its volume is l [L 2 + ( L2 + 6a 3 ) ] a 3h 3

According to the chapter shang gong in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures,

the volume of the round city is V= x [ L2 + ( L2 + 6a3 ) ] a 3hr Therefore, 4;' +

i [ L2 + ( L2 + 6a 3 ) ] a3 is the depth of the ditch. ( G )

2. The wall of a square city contains 45417600 chi.l I l It is said that the square

root of an exterior side at the bottom diminished by 10 bu plus the width of

187
the wall at the bottom is equal to 65 bu; the root is less than a side at the top of

the wall 3546 bu; the difference between the interior and exterior sides at the

top of the wall is 4 bu; the exterior side at the top exceeds the interior side at

the bottom by 6 bu; the width at the top and the width at the bottom differ

from each by 3 bu; and the width at the top is less than the height of the wall

by 5 bu 1 chi) 2 J A circular ditch is dug to circumscribe the wall in order to

obtain earth for filling it and for making the bricks to build it. The width of the

ditch at the top is 35 chi and at the bottom 30 chi. l 3 l 24000000 bricks are

needed and the size of a brick is to be 1 chi in length, 5 cun in width, and 2.5
 ;w;=:t*.R;
7*=:tli.RE=TimsA+%zims1\.+_;
li+-B-T-s=+li%Bzlms+- o
-*B: 3'l.5JcJG-1Jr(", llf!l>ltZ.o 1ilm+-n=T _1fJrn+J\.1Jirl
. -7J-T-1f Im+J\.ff;7'7t1JM"Jf. -7JITTJT1\.s.1L+ J\.tv=ft
1JM...t.Ell, -s=+-tt-1\.ft-JJitrtfi. 151 -1-JIE. -=*1rHz. r 61
irJ o #<:bD'1!0C}j(Z o >ltrti!7**B: Jtlffl, lmZ., _ .mi-. =fLo
Jl..-Z.fll*-@-Jflfi. l!YZ., lirm-, :JJn_t, :1-Jo[?] Jl..;,r-Jf
:JJpl sJ ;,rim, =z. 1JD:R1-...t.J, 1Jrffl!oJl..rtBl*Jffl!:IJU7'-'t-r!Brlml,
1.,;,rJaJo #rm*z., 1JffJaJo Jl..#l*J' rmlim*Z., '1
...t.tfJaJ o ffiz., :JJn-WJaJ, iv....t.r-*z., =f...to JI.., 1tml, :JJn...t.
-Wij, LV.rr*z, ff J:, Jl7'ffil- o Pffffl.1Jr!:o , Prmi*o[ 9
l

>Jt*B-*B:f!l.#A-@-ffl. LV.=A*Z,-:ho#A
-. B-ntffl.A BJflfi. LV.;R*Z., 11'1. :fgr!o :flllr!mi-o[ IO)

J'
. - -6'
188

[>ff]
[ 1] icnl'fJ_t, 91J, i, r, 91J, J, j't#j,tJtJ1:J L 1, L1 , a 1, l2 , L2 ,

a2 , h , ;Jt-,fflrJ l'fJ3JtfJtJJ7* !:.i JllI imffl IA.I a fit-t-:njJ& 1J i*tft-iJ!tl l'fJ 4 'ffi o .itt*lm ffP:
1 1 1 1
V=4 x
6 ![2 x 2 ( l1 + L1 ) + 2 ( 12 + L2 ) ] a 1 + [ 2 x 2 ( 12 + L2 ) +
1
2 ( /1 + L1 ) J a2 I h = 454176000 ( )
I
[ 2] i.;,{$-1:JIP-m, .lttl!P L2 - 10 + a2 = 65, L I - /L2 - 10 = 3546, l l - LI =
.
4, l1 - 12 = 6, a2 - a 1 = 3, h - a 1 = 5. 51 o (1!rll)
t.i

[ 3 J .lttl!Pr1fjJ&-OOIJ.f%1illim, _tlti(ft':J.fl'fJJ,i&o ;1t_t1 b 1

= 35' rr- b2 = 30 0 Jf1J;j(fRjfj! !:j {1Lil1t:*) (!{Jlil!-*ffllw.lo ( $)

cun in thickness. [ 4 lA man can dig at the rate of 24 chi per day and can make
and lay bricks at the ate of 30 per day. If there are 50000 men working to
gether in how many days can they finish the work? What are the sides, the
width, and the height of the wall and the depth of the ditch?
Ans. Bottom of the wall:
the exterior side, 10 Li 10 bu;
the interior side, 10 Ii;
the width, 25 chi.
Top of the wall:
the exterior side, 10 Li 6 bu;
the interior side, 10 Ii 2 bu;
the width, 10 chi.
Height of the wall, 36 chi;
Depth of the ditch, 25 chi 5 ;1l7 cun;
7
The work will be finished in 51 : { days.
1 5
189
Process. Let the element tian be the width of the wall at the bottom. From the
statement we have 412348 for the negative shi, l 114820for the positivefang,
14898 Bo for the positive first Lian, 131Fa for the negative last lian,l 5 la.nd 1
for the positive yu, an expression C 6 l of the fourth degree whose root is the
required width. The other dimensions can be obtained from the addition and
subtraction method. The method for finding the depth of the ditch is as
follows: Add to three-fourths of the volume four-fifths of the product of the
volume of one brick by the number of bricks, for the dividend.l 7 l Then add
to itself one-fourth of the length of the exterior side at the lower baser 81 and
multiply the sum by 3; add to this product six times the width of the top of the
 [ 4 J 1i#a<Ji*:1'11 x i l = R., itJfli*ffl: v = x 24000000 =
x 2

3000000 R. 3 o ( n>

[ 6] ,fjfj.\:ff{Jft:jg: x4 - 13 l.8x3 + 14898.2x2 + 11148.6.x - 412348 =

O o ( ) .lltff:1fj.\4'(1{J1J,fi.(ffrW.6lt7tlt, -4-i&iE o r. ;W,Mi"3: o ( )

( 7 J 1JJf71BlJfJlo { 11*} il'fj:9J1J:-zr: "Jtl!.tl!l:;/g!JlJi, '1=o" 1J

:1'1.Jf71B'1.ilis'1.m-JJm(f{J:=
4 4
3V + 5V2 0 (.)

[ s J ":!l:ba", 11tft: "?ta", 5f:7GO;j"ftA11lit'f.l*tlz.-. *

A&:1'112QftO;j"fflz..RPM*lt*:!l.r.*-(f{Jffi2QB, . 14

. fj!;!i!J'?jJJJJm o ( )

[9] icJ.l-rtBlJ.L, rl*J, 9JIJ7tIJ:;/gm1 , M1 , m2 , M2 , W/..ff- 1.4, 1T = 3,

Ji!U.r.J*J.mJ1J1[:1-J/2L2 , .r.J*Jff./Jm1 = 3/2L2 = 3 x l.4L2 o .r.?)ljff{]1[:;/gffL2 +

I;;;
2b1 , .r.9.ffl.lM, = 3 (/2L2 + 2b1 ) = 3 x 1.4L2 + 6b 1 , .rtBp;j}W]rtB9f.lall1#:

i(
. - _,,
190 m2 = M2 , 71B7.ffl1 M2 = m1 + 6b2 = 3./2L2 + 6b2 , 71Bf-?ffl} M = m2 + M2 ),

1t!?..r.WJIJm == (m, + M,)o iclf1t!?.1J1*::'Jh3 , fflffl {1Lilt1r-*} i3* ;lti*tQ

:;/gV3 = J [(2m + M) b 1 + (2M + m) b2 ] h3 o $ V3 :1:J, ! [(2m + M) b 1

+ ( 2M + m) b2 ] '17'!, 1J!>J<Jf 1t!?.1J h10 ( n)

[ 1 o J ic. v1 :1:Ji. m. u. v *'J'7A a 1fttQ,ffiA s m. !i!U a tt =
(V+V2 ) x 2
----'------
( u + v ) x 50000
n
o < >

[ if l
4'-1t$t-}.i .Jt.#-;,?45417600X..o : r1B1ffJ!r
1 O , lt-'*-tt -Jt "'f- , /Iii T r, f 65 -ffe o 5l , J:. -f- ltl-J:t. J:. iii tl-
 ditch for the exterior circumference of the ditch; add to the interior circum
ference 6 times the width of the bottom of the ditch for the exterior circum
ference at the bottom of the ditch. One-half the sum of the interior and
exterior circumferences of the bottom of the ditch is the chi di ting zhou,
and one-half the sum of the interior and exterior circumferences of the top c
:::::,
of the ditch is the chi shang ting zhou. Multiply the shang ting zhou by 2, .,,,,.

add to the di ting zhou, then multiply by the upper width of the ditch, add i
:::::,
(/)

this product to the product of twice the di ting zhou plus the shang ting
zhou by the lower width of the ditch, and take one-sixth of the result as
divisor. Dividing we have the depth of the ditch. 1 9 1 The method of
finding the number of days for finishing the work is as follows: Multiply
the sum of the volume of the wall and the number of bricks by 2, for the
dividend. Multiply the amount of digging done by one man and the num
ber of bricks that one could make by the number of men as the divisor.
Dividing we have the number required r 10 l_

[Notes]
[ I ] Let the square city's interior side at the top be /1 , exterior side at the top L,, the
191
width at the top a,, interior side at the bottom 12, exterior side at the bottom L2, the width at
the bottom a2, and the height h. The method for the volume of one side is the same as that
for qu chi. The square city's volume is 4 times the volume of one side. The statement

means V = 4 x I I [ 2 x I ( I, + L 1 ) + l ( /2 + L2 )] a 1 + [ 2 x l ( 12 + L2 ) +
6 2 2 2
( /1 + L, )] a2 I h = 45417600. ( G)
[ 2 J Take bu as a unit. That is, /-L----1 0 + a2 = 65, L1 -/ L2 - I O = 35 46, L1 -
2
l1 =4, L,-12 =6, a2-a1 =3, h-a 1 =5.l. (G)
5
[ 3 ]It refers that a qu chi in the form of a ring is besides the square city. In fact, its
earth is dug for building the city. Its width at the top is b 1 = 35, the width at the bottom
is b2 = 30.The method for the volume of the ditch is the same as the method for qu chi in
The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures. ( G)
 !], 3546ffe o J:.ifs a'-JrJ:J,1r;ta4 -ffe o J:. ifs a'-J 1rt. T if? a'-JrJ:J j6
-ffe o J:., Tr3ffe o J:.r5-!V1K o +4a'-JI
--. a1*o J:.,r35K, Tr3
o it :fr r:J !j-Ml:**-" Jfl *-"*2400 7.1 -t- ,.fi:--t--'t * I K, Jii] i
5 -t ,)- 2 i" o
.fi:-A.fi:-aSAa'-J-hMK,ii:-A.fi:-a LA30-t
*0 57.,A,-1, M:a'-JJ:.,T, 1r. J:.,T
r. L. a'-J. LAa'-Jafthj?
$ : a'-J T !r10 .Y. 10 ffe , 10 .1'. , r 2 5 K ;
..1:. ,t- 1 o 1t 6 ffe , 1 o 1t 2 ffe , r 1 ;
36K;
al.Ji 25 K 5
473
!;7 i";
511125 '-I0 O
...\.-: IJ,, 0 "'-'"
.Jt,M.,A1 '-I

Jj(.: ii:n:.- h T r,
11:J."*;fY-*;J"<.Jl:.Wfo {lf J1J -412348 Ji'$"ft,
11148 fsijh-;k.19i ,. 14898 Eijh-=-;k. i .-131Ec5 :)J ..=..;k.
lft,lA*lft.*.Tt"o-Tr
a'-J*ldh ***o ;J"<.Jj(.:a'-J* 4-
1 . 3.I-tJ:.;X-*a'-J**Jflft. 4*.
5; h -tJ:.,#hoXa'-J T?ri?rh .3*
6*a'-JJ:.r,h,t-JJJo p:Jh 6*a'-JTr,h
a'-JAtrJJJ o rJ:JJJJnt,rJJJ;tQ h ,Jl:.!,a'-Jlit1.fffiJ o .
a'-JrJ:J,7f,ij}h,!,a'-J J:.1.f,ij}o J:.*,ij)a'-J 2*,h
A*.J:.r.I-tJ:.; A*ffiJa1.J2*,J:.*.rr
jft, h {-J:.,fJ.6, P}ff#;,lJ>!-o i,J,,:!-, -ft..fal.J>*-o *
11a-Jj(.:Ia'-JAJfla.2A
*.#hoAaAa'-J-Aa Jflft
.a'-J-.# *o*,t-
 8
--
txJ c....

[4 ] The volume of one brick is I x ; x = cubic chi. The volume of all the :a;- (1)

bricks: V,- = l.x 24000000 = 3000000 cubic chi. ( G) .....

8
[ 5] 6fen, 2/en, and 8/en following bu are 0.6 bu, 0.2 bu and 0.8 bu respectively. 2.
=:r
( G)
ci1
[ 6] The expression in modem form is the equation:x4 - 131.8x3 + 14898.2x + 2 .....
c
::::,
1 I 148. 6x - 412348 = 0. ( C ) The decimal fractions of the equation were all expressed -;,,;
::::,
0
as fractions by Ch 'en Tsai Hsin. We correct now and do not annotate in following part.
::::,
(J)

( G)
[ 7 ] Shi is the ditch' s volume. The chapter shang gong of The Nine Chapters of
Mathematical Procedures says:"If chuan di is 4, it becomes 5 as rang tu, and 3 asjian tu."A
square city and a brick belong to chuan tu. It becomes rang tu when it was dug out, Therefore
the earth for building the square city and making the bricks is, V3 = ...
3
V + ... V2 ( G )
5
(8 l Shen jia was ofen written as slzen wai jia, which was one of the methods for
quick calculation of multiplication and division in Song and Yuan dynasties. The method
was used when multiplier has two positions and the number of the first position is one.
That is, add to multiplicand the number of the second position of the multiplier. For example,
when the multiplier is 14, add to multiplicand 4. ( G)
[ 9] Let the ditch's interior circumference at the top be m 1 , exterior circumference at
the top M,, interior circumference at the bottom m2, and exterior circumference at the bottom
193
M2 Let {2 = 1.4, 11' = 3, then the diameter of the interior circumference at the top is /2 Li.
The interior circumference at the top m, = 3/2L2 = 3 x 1.4L2 The diameter of the exterior
circumference at the top is {2L2 + 2h1 The exterior circumference at the top M1 = 3(/2 L2
+ 2b, ) = 3 x 1.4L2 + 6b 1 The interior circumference at the bottom is equal to the exte
rior circumference. That is, m2 = Mi. The exterior circumference M2 = m, + 6bi = 3/2 L2
+ 6b,.. Chi di ting t.hou M = _I ( m,- + M,- ), and chi sha.ng ting zhou m = 1 ( m, + M1 ).
2 2 f
Let the ditch' s depth be h3. According to the chu tong method in The Nine Chapters o
Mathematical Procedures, V3 = [ ( 2m + M) b, + ( 2M + m) b2 ) h3 Therefore, h3 can
be solved by taking V3 as shi, and [ ( 2m + M) b, + ( 2M + m) b2 ] as/a. ( G)
[ I O ] Let w be the number of all the bricks, u the amount of digging done by one
man and v the number of bricks that one could make in one day. Then, the number of the
(V + V2 ) x 2
needed days is . ( G)
( u + v ) x 50000
 3.
[ ffi ]
4'-ixW.!:i'-J9f. tt-JJ;\.-=flia=-t-;\.R. r )0 -R = tt- __t, r1'J
.t
. JfffZ,ffl . TLJ, --R.. WL. ra.
Xo=?tz-o _t. rJARo t 1 =9Jt1'JIMJ!:i', ..trt1-lti1'J
2

IM110 -B.$!o l 31 4itA it=-t-tRo fll]: ..t, rr, J;tjDj, j(,

Jj\ ll!lliJJllJfl {;I JLfPJ?
B:kr=-R. rr-=x-tR.
_.t*=x1\.R. r=x*R.;
jtlj.::. Im R. ;
=*Hffl-t-=f-t=+R.=s1\.+EA=+-t1tAz=
+n.
=,J\Wffl=-=f--tli=R., -aA=+-t1tAz=o
*B:-1'J..tr-.ffl*Zoffl-JJJ\.-=f--ta--ti-ll9.
-ts=M:1f, _sn+-..t, -+Aftr. -tt.
=*JfJfZ, l l ltkr o 1Ja*Zo *=1':HfJ*B:..tr
4

194 T_t.' ' -*Z, 1-JLJll*zr ...tJ1JllfJ' 1-Jx.Jti O

iz*o Y..., rr--=rr. . *z, r3tltzr- o rl*J

:bair-, rJllfZ*o 1:&J:*, ;bar*. ..tr-*z, r Lo
Y...fflr*, ..t*. rzo..t. z. *-,ffl=
:*MlZfRo $lllA 11tfflZ' 1.fffliiEo [ 5) *=/J\)11lffl.&Jfl1.t:#' ll

[jiff]
.[ I J 1'lJllP {:tL:iJ:M:*) iflf:lJ(y.J- o ic1ilJ(r-Jt$,fR, ..t. tJ, ll,
jliljjtjjlj;J.JV, a,, a2 , b 1 b2 , h, ,ml,W{JL:)$'.-*),
,

V =; [ ( 2a 1 + a2 ) b1 + ( 2a 2 + a 1 ) b2 ] h = 185280 ( )
 0::, c...
O ll>
O
<T>
c.
3. The volume of an observatory is 18528 chl l. It is said that the square root
1
...... __
a
of the sum of the lengths of the upper and lower bases is less than the width of
a
=r
the upper base by 13 chi, equals the difference between the upper and lower

0
lengths, and is one-third of the length; the difference between the widths of c:

the upper and lower bases is 6 chi.r 2 l It is required to enlarge the observatory
into a circular form using the diagonals as the dian1eters of the bases and to
complete the work in one day l 3 l, The rate of one man's work is 27 chi. How
many men shall be employed for the work? Find also the widths and lengths
of the bases and the heights and volumes of the arcs.
Ans. Upper base:
width, 21 chi; length, 28 chi.
Lower base:
width, 27 chi; length, 36 chi.
height, 24 chi;
Volume of each of the great arcs:
25 195
7720 chi;men needed for the work, 285 27
Volume of each of the small arcs:
2702 chi; men needed for the work, 100 22:, .
Process. Let the element tian be the width of the upper base. From the
statement we have 18774 for the negative shi, 702 for the negative fang,
391 for the positive first Lian, 36 for the negative last Lian, and 1 for the
positive yu, an expression i 4 l of the fourth degree whose root is the width
of the upper base. The other dimensions required can be obtained from the
addition and subtraction method. The method for finding the volumes of
the two great arcs is as follows:One-half of the difference between the

29

i [ 2 J Jltl!P: a, - J b, + b 2
:.. 13, J b, + b 2 "'b2 - b,, Jb, + b2 = jh 0 a2 - a 1 :::: 60

()

[3)<*>Zo...t.oo@l!P...t.M,kmiM-.T
mi1r1!Pri4, lWrmitt'iJx;J-frj o C )
[ 4) ffjftf{JJJ41.ft:a';jg: x4 - 36x3 + 39 lx2 - 102x - 18774 = 00 ()

[ 5 J ..tJl!Pilllx!Y. ...t.iffix;J-fff, W-llPVJ....t.j;lg, -1.'1.JN:m, ii:'1 c1 o

Jj,z., iW:ill:5-:fZJ'""1')A 1 = i ( c, - a 1 ), ..t.:illiz:'1 B, = b 1 + ( c 1 - a1 )o

TK-TOOMfff.$1!PT,'1.T-'11N:K.ie'1 s o.z..
u11zr'1 A 2 = i ( c2 - a2 ) ..t.:ill1z--K:.1-J B 2 = b2 + ( c2 - a2 )o ::kW

Zffljg ! [( 28 1 + 82) A 1 + ( 28 2 + B 1 ) A 2 ) h o ( )

4*1'11 ,,t i; - ffr, it-J{:.#-:f?-}<J 18528 ..R.. 3 a .R j;.: J:., T.l_;f:t1,m,, ft }ii *' ,
*.-J{:.a-1:.r1..R...-1:.,-rz.

196
lr-J 1 a J:. , T r z :h 6 JZ o J_t *-YJ , *Jt-;j. }ii 00 -; o 1'P ,_t -; lr-J J:. ,
Ttr-Ji-lt.00-f;tr-J, TA&o-sioA-Str-Jit
lt.27 lZo fa]: 1Cp,_t-;{t.JJ:., r T 1;_, . A::k., ,J,.f.t#-:#t, JfJ
-fk:h J. f?
$: -;J:.r21;z, -rr21JZ;
..t.*-28JZ, r36Jl;
24..R..;
..=. :k. #-:fJt 7720 ..R.. ,
..=. ,J, !JA.#-;f?. 2702 ..R..,
;!(: if_kjt,-:)]{(p,,tf;V,JJ:..r, A;f?.*::!-*-Jt-Wfo 1fJ -18774:h
'f. , -702 ;/;; - ik .1jli R-.., 391 :h..=.*. 1$t -a,.., -36 :h 3- ;.k_ -a,. ,
 &f
O a.
(t)
hypotenuse and the width of the upper base is the altitude of the segment of -.3:;
a
the upper base; and the sum of the altitude of the segment and the length of
a
=s-
the upper base is the length of the arc of the upper base. One-half of the
"'TI
0
c:
.....
difference between the hypotenuse and the width of the Jower base is the
altitude of the segment of the lower base; and the sum of the altitude of the
segment and the length of the lower base is the length of the arc of the
lower base. Add to the product of the twice the sum of the arcs of the lower
and upper bases by the altitude of the segment of the lower base, the prod
uct of twice these same arcs by the altitude of the segment of the upper
base; multiply their sum by the height and divide by 6. This gives the vol
ume of the great segment. Divide the volume of the great segment by the
rate of work of one person and we have the number of workmen for the
segment.! 5 l The method for finding the sn1all segments is similar to the
above.

197
[Notes]
[ I ] The observatory is the chu tong in the chapter shang gong of The Nine Chap-

ters of Mathematical Procedures. Let the observatory's volume be V, width of the up-

per base a,, width of the lower base a2, length of the upper base b,, length of the lower

base b2, and height h. According to The Nine Chapter of Mathematical Procedures,

V= j [ ( 2a 1 + a 2 ) b 1 + ( 2a2 + a, ) b2 ] h = 18528. ( G)

[2]That is,a 1 -/ b1 +b = 13, / b,+b2 =b2 -b,./ b,+b2 =;hoa 2 -a, =

6. ( G)

[ 3 J The enlarged observatory is called yuan tai. It is yuan ting in The Nine Chap-

ters of Mathematical Procedures. The diameter of the upper base is shang xie, that is,
 -*' Q*. J:.ro$J:.r*'
h*o **&: LrTL.$Jt

, L:iJL;j.1-zr L;&u;j.1-zr, L:iJL-3--;j.l-z* o 5l,

o

y:J. r r rr t, Jt:.Jt 1 . h r r1,lj :ilL.:f<l-zro rl-m-3--:f<r

zr, Titl.-3--;icrz* o LitL-3---lrZ*21*, ;&ur.i/l.-3,.;j.1-

z *. *yJ.J:.:iJL.a..;j.1-zr. I -t-J:.; x..rri!L.a..;j.J-z * 21g-,
h ..1:. .i!l.-3---lr-t *. * *
yJ. r r1,lj :ilL;j.1-zr, JtlJtJJu -t-..1:., f.J. ,
6.k&o A-ai#tk&.a
,lf-lJ ffl ,1,t:.Aa *,J,&,Y..Jfl ,1,t:.A4t_, ;ft 11 J:., flp,1f o .r,f
Ji)j" Jo) 0

198
4.
[ mt>t: l
4-ff:GiftJf!.JJ!-J9r l la Rzr: -.1:.r-=R. 1rfr-=Jtz-=a #
_t_j' 13*. El1L+ /,Ro 4iA B [Z] ,f,g=
+:fLR.o fflVE-f-J\.
s+Aa-S$o:Wk,rr-&,AM?
El: _t_j-j:' r- -:st;\.R.;
-:st-=R.; lisJ\.+Ro
*B=*-jJ--,ffl*Zomff=+. =+lijJ
-JI. n+=1J.._t_1*, li:J.JM-r1*. =1J..1W. *:nJfz, [ 11t;f 3
the upper diagonal. The diameter of the lower base is xia xie, that is, the lower diagonal.

( G)

[ 4] The expression in modem form is the equation: x4 - 36x3 + 39lx2 - 702x -

18774 = 0. ( C)
c
:::I
[ 5 ] The upper hypotenuse is the diagonal at the upper base of the observatory.

The hypotenuse's gou and gu are the width and the length at the upper base, respectively. :::I
CJ)

Use c: 1 for the hypotenuse. Then, the altitude of the segment of the base is as follows: A,

= ( c, - a,). The length of the hypotenuse of the upper bases: B, = b 1 + 1(c 1 -

-=
c-:. c:
,=- =
en
a1 ). The lower hypotenuse is the diagonal at the lower base of the observatory. The ,=-
en ::a
cE -c
hypotenuse's gou and gu are the width and the length at the lower base, respectively.
enc:,
....
(")
:z

...
Use c2 for the hypotenuse. Then, the altitude of the segment of the base is A2 = i ( c2
.....
::z:
-

en
a2 ). The length of the hypotenuse of the upper bases: 82 = b2 + ( c2 - a ). The prod

uct of the two great arcs is ! [ ( 28 1 + B2 ) A, + ( 2B2 + B, ) A2 ) h. ( G)

j.
\ \
")t..._,,.
199
4. The height of a dike l lexceeds the width of the upper base by 2 chi, and is
1

two-thirds of the width of the lower base; the square of the sum of the height
and the width of the upper base is less than the length by 96 chi} 2 l The con
struction of the dike is completed by 1840 workmen, and the rate of work of
one person is 29 chi. And it must be finished in one day. Find the widths of
the upper and lower bases, and the height and length of the dike.
Ans. The width of the upper base, 10 chi;
the width of the lower base, 18 chi;
height, 12 chi; length, 580 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the height of the dike. From the statement
we have 40020 for the negative shi, 25 for the negative fang, 52 for the
 [I] jtt,ff!P {}L,t:*} zmo ie;l',tf*, ..t_j, ""fj, , ?tJrj;i;JV,

_t a1 , a2' b, h, {JLlt),:*} !irti\::Jti*0J!:: V= 1 (a 1 + a2 ) bh o Ii {;1$:J,:
*} l:fi:lmZ.$'14: 3, M1ii,t!!{*f;t.1g (a 1 + a2 ) bho ()

[2] .lltP: h - a 1 = 2, h =i a
2, b - (a 1 + h) 2 = 960 (.n)

[3] ff;jJ:tJftWJ'!::1-J: 2X" - 5.x3 + 52.x2 - 25x - 40020 = Oo .( )

[ 4'i]
*-o:$.JTLr2.rTrf.Jo
Lrh, tt-%oAas.,t.Af.J#**A
, m 1 s40 A o fit- a .:c. -ft .,t-- o 1oJ : 1;i f.J L, T r , a , :f- ;1;
1 :!-'?
$: !Jtf.JLr I :l, Tr 1 :l8;
1 :l 2, 580 o
;i(: )(,- -tJt , Y -:{t11;f?-::,t**$. 0 1lfU -40020 ;9 't lt.Jffi,
200 -25;l}..:-ik_,:Ji . 5259=-ik.>Ji -. -5..=..ik.J:Jl lt. 2:Alik.

J:JlA, . o +Mo

5.
[ mt>t J
--oR:_t,r--:stll9Ro*_t,rr-.d=.

li-m-fR=
. *-M.1f, -JA, .lfZ-:1fffZ, ,.&_tr- ;\Ro J::.$r_tr
=.5tz-o $r-tRo ( J 4ij Elm== t--tA' 4fJA B
I

+ll9R, liBo : _t, rr-.*W?

B: _t.=::stll9R., r-X/\R.;
_tr- -:st=R., rr-=:st*-R.;
 positive first Lian. 5 for the negative last lian, and 2 for the positive yu, an
expression l 3 l of the fourth degree whose root is the required height.

[ Notes J
[ l ] The dike is long wei di in Chinese. It is the dike in The Nine Chapters ofMath-

ematical Procedures. Let its volume be V, width of th_e upper base a" width of the lower

base a2, length b, and height h. Its volume in The Nine Chapters ofMathematical Proce

dures is as follows: V = i ( a 1 + a2 ) bh. According to The Nine Chapters of Mathemati-

ea/ Procedures, the ratio of chuan di to jian tu is 4 to 3. Therefore, the volume of chuan di

is ; ( a 1 + 02 ) bh.( G )

[ 2] That is, h - a, = 2, h = i a 2, b - ( a 1 + h) 2 = 96. ( G)

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 2x4 - 5x3 + 52x 2 - 25x -

40020 = 0. ( C)

201

5. The difference between the upper and the lower bases of an observatory
which is to be constructed is 14 chi. If we place the sum of the widths of the
upper and the lower bases increased by 2 for the positive shi, 6 for the posi
tive fang, and l for the positive yu, we have a quadratic expression whose
root is less than the width of the upper base by 8 chi; the length of the upper
base exceeds the width by one-half of itself; and the height exceeds the length
of the lower base by 7 chi. t I l The work can be done by 227 men in 5 days,
 ifli fill :t1i R. 0

*B:-&z,.ffl*Zoffl*Wlm.
-;w-+=1i,1iWlm+-.-+-M-.
Js,M!W, =*1IH-z, r 21 f!P&.-t,o ftlP]o

(jiff]
[ 1] icfiJ]i'i'ZL, "'f,' . j{fjJtjJIJj;Ja a2 , b., b2 , h, JltllP: b2 - b.=

14, w2+6w=(a1 +a2 )+2, a 1 -w=8, b1 -a1 =ih1, h-b2 =1 o (:f15)

[ 2] ff::tfj.\:ftJ:.\:: fu4 + 31.r - 546x2 - 1813x - 77604 = 0 0 ( )

[ 4-]
+a-o:,TLAl4Ko,Tr.
*'12, 1th. 6,h-ik'Jf,f:.ft, lhJit.;k.'9i,f:.ft, -jf--f-.Jt-1.fftJ;t.
rsoiLJ:t.ir1}o)t.TLl7Koam2n
A,.A-a#$1tM,msa1 0 :.
Tr, -h j y'?
202 = 1'11.tL 2 :1:. 4 . T L 3 :1:. s ;
r 1 5t 2 . T r 2 5t 6 ;
45Ko
:-hr. -**-o-TI6Mh
'f A, -1813h-,.t R:.A, -546 h .::..;:.ta.31 h .=..ik'9i ,f:.
A,6hAak'9iA. 1r* *roMo

6.
l mt 1
-&-oR:#_t,r--..1I-z._t-M
'*o '=i;_t, rf.616.10 it11i$H-jjflfl =5tz-o l 21 4iJEIJfl-+fL
and the rate of the work of each man is 24 chi. Find the lengths and the widths

of the upper and the lower bases and the height of the observatory.

Ans. Upper base:

length, 24 chi; width, 12 chi.

Lower base:

length, 38 chi; width, 26 chi;.

height, 45 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the width of the upper base. From the
statement we have 77604 for the negative shi, 1813 for the negative fang,
546 for the negative first lian, 31 for the positive last Lian, and 6 for the

positive yu, an expression f 2 l of the fourth degree whose root is the re-
quired width.

[ Notes l
[ t J Let the observatory's width of the upper base be a 1 , width of the lower base
203
a2, length of the upper base b 1 , length of the lower base b2 , and the height h. That is, b 2 -
l
b 1 = 14, w2 + 6w = ( a1 + a2 ) + 2, a, - w = 8, b 1 - a 1 = 2 b 1 h - b2 ;;:: 7. ( G)

[ 2 J The expression in modem form is the equation: 6x4 + 3 lx3 - 546x2 - l 8 l 3x

- 77604 = o. ( C )

6. A round terrace is to be constructed, such that the square root of the sum of
the circumferences of the upper and the lower bases and the height equals the
weak-half of the circumference of the upper base; the height of the terrace
equals the difference between the circumferences of the upper and the lower
 A.-+=Bm$o.ABfi-+=Ro:-Hk. m&
1-!tJLfaJ?
B:kWJ\.R, =R. =Ro
* 1t*JG-1-J-Jf 1ftt' im>J<Zo -+ _-:JJ--f-- s =+ J\.J.j
B:
id, =+;\.1-JJA=ffl!, J\.1-Jt&.=!Jft, -1-:JiEl!M, *nJfz, r 1f 31

-t =193f1Ja ffl=z, P o 1&:ha>l<Zo -g-fiiJ o

[ jiff l
[l] ff:Jffil'!PJ:, Fr.a, r-J:ifl-1Tmo ()

[ 2 J .tit Ei f.!P < }1.jJ:7'c} r-J, ir.;JtJ:, "FJWJ, 1tJ1J 1-J 11 , 12 h, <
11
fL

1r;* > :!Jtf*0:1-J v =i ( 1 /2 + 1

1
2
1
+ l\ ) ho < lm5G!.i} m (
:,jc }(r-]0:,:.to JttJHillP: / 11 + / + h = /1 , h = 12 - / , h -/ / + / + h = ho { )
2 1 1 2

[3] ff1fit(r-JfJef\:%:,:.t:1-J: x5 - 8x4 + 28x3 - 131328 = 00 ()

[ if l
lll-aX:L,Th..ff*,Jt:.A
204
}tLtoL,Tottff*Ajiaam
19 A., Hl 12 a ,;t.:r., A.- a *t;'ft..:r.-I'it 32X.o 1oJ: Ill..&..
L, Tj-7
$: L48X., T72X., 24X.a
;i(: -i.9:fi:.- ff* q;M:., v:.t. -:/tol,R * * .;jt.Jt:. Nf. c q; .f -131328 '$" M:.
>ffl, 2s .;..ik>ffl a, -8l!!1 ;k>ffl . 1 :l. ;k_.1Ji a, ffli.ik
* 12ff*Aa h. o .Jt:.>fflro
*
ii.mr i,t.\ * !l O Ji)j- fa] 0
hases and exceeds the square root l I J by one-half of itself.l 21 The work must
be finished by 19 men in 12 days; the rate of work of one person is 32 chi.
Find the height and the circumferences of the upper and lower bases.
Ans. The circumference of the upper base, 48 chi; ...,

the circumference of the lower base, 72 chi;

height, 24 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the square root of the sum of the circum-
ferences of the upper and lower bases and the height of the terrace. From
the statement we have 131328 for the negative shi, 28 for the positive sec-
ond Lian, 8 for the negative third Lian, and 1 for the positive yu., an expres
sion i 3 l of the fifth degree whose root is 12. The twice of the root is the
height. The other dilnensions can be found from the addition and subtrac
tion method.

[ Notes J 205
[ I ] The square root of the sum of the circumferences of the upper and lower bases

and the height. ( C )

[ 2 J The round terrace is yuan ting in The Nine Chapters ofMathematical Procedures.

Let its circumference of the upper base be / 1 , circumference of the lower base /2, and

height h. Its volume formula in The Nine Chapters ofMathematical Procedures is as follows:

V = ( //2 + f.+ I) h. The Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns uses the formula. The
3
statement is J / 1 + /2 + h = J 11 , h = 12 - /1 , h - / 1 1 + /2 + h = h. (G)

[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation: x5 - 8.x4 + 28.x3 - l 31328 =

0. ( C)

29
7.
[ Jm)t]
4-*i1Ia-Jifi[ ;ttJi:JJJ, 1t=sli+-tm:l\s=+=x--t#xz

..I:. 1
1,

Ao R: a.+A1I.-.1f*ZoM
. H1f-z. %H1Io1f$ff1IttmoL, r
Jff!Hf_+ 1\.Rn l lHJA. Bffl.=.+1\.Ro -A>t.=.11!1l9s-t+
2

--tx-t#xz-ffl*BM.+llYBo : a. 1I .. &
B ffl*, 5l JLfiJJ?
El: LJf-::st/\R, r1f=::st.=..R., =::stll.YR;
s=+Ali#A.zllY.-+-tm-s--t+1mx-t#xz

s1m+-A.li#Az=.tt=+1mm sllY+fLx-t#x
Z.li;
_s;\.+ A.li#A.z-. 1"+1\.11t1"sfL+fLx--t#x .
=
.<....-,

206
*s-rI1"-t-1"A.li#A.z=.-s=+-tm---:afL+;\.
x-tJtXZ:l\o
*El:-Foff1IB,joffl*Zo 1"lisli+=A,
-*s-+ML.--tsll.Y+-jJA . -t+AMli.llY
j]A. --t*JfffZ. 1t=RFoff1fBo Z, l!P967f1Jfto fill
3
[ ]

z,jJaLJfo*to*zo Elffl*&.jo*Zoo

[jiff]
Jlt:nt!P {:JL:l;t;M:*) tt9:n. r:n.
* >
[ 1] icJt..t, ,tj]IJJ;Ja, b, h, (:JL
:!Jtf*fft0j.J;J: v = ! ( ab + a2 + b2 ) ho < ll97G!.'i > ,ft}fl < nJJ
*} l'J90o ( )
7. The construction of a square terrace will cost 257622 casli I l. If we place
rt
.....
a
the height of the terrace for the positive shi, I O for the negative fang, and I for a
=r
the positive yu, the square root of the root of this quadratic expression is less
ti'
than the latter by one-half of itself; a side of the upper base exceeds the root of ....
c
.,_.
:::,

the expression by its strong-half; the sum of a side of the upper base and a side
i
:::,
of the lower base is 38 chi l 2 l. The rate of work of one person is 28 chi, and
(/)

the rate of pay for three persons is 2477 cash. The number of workmen is

increased each day in a geometrical progression whose ratio is 2. The work

must be completed in four days. Find the height and the sides of the bases, the

number of the workmen employed each day, and the rate of pay per day.

Ans. A side of the upper base, 16 chi; a side of the lower base, 22 chi;

height, 24 chi.

First day, workman employed, 20 1

payment, 17174 cash;

207
Second day, workman employed, 41 .

payment, 34349 cash;

Third day, workman employed, 831.

payment, 68699 cash;

. 2
Last day, workman employed, 166
5.
payment, 137398 cash.

Process. Let the element tian be the square root of the root of the given

expression. From the statement we have 6552 for the negative shi, 3610 for

the positive first Lian, 741 for the negative third Lian, 78 for the positive
 [2] lltlliN!!P: ic.7'cH1fj:Jw, 'EEBH1.fAw2 - IOw + h = O*ili o

w - ./w= 1 Wo a - w =!a, a+ b = 380 ./w j]FoH1.fo ( n)

[3J H1.ftr,J,iHtA: -4x8 + 78.tl - 741.x" + 3610.r - 6552 = O o ( )

[A,]
**-.#ia120: *11=
J.J'!-, -IOJJ-;kRtft; 1 JJJji;kRtA, :Jt-t*o -1t:i.-:1t-tt-AfF
Ji, :Jt-'f*,-:Jt*:Jf-*tt"ftJo*tt:Jt
*1lJ *<r-i Jo, T*-=i::..'J.J 380 .ft-A.- a <r-i;r;;tt.111=:t-Jl 28
Ko.ft-3A.2.7Jtoffl&a. 4ElZ, M: *
,r*, .aam, -Jii?
$: *16 K, r*22K, 24;
i 1 a 20;A.. 11 -ft 114 1\;
i 2 El 4 I JA., 34 349 .;
3 a 83 A., 68 1t 699 Jt4\;
208 *- El 166;A., 137 $ 398 Jtilo
:-JJ:Jt*tt-A.**Moff!-52/:JA
J:Ji, 3610 J.;.::.;k_J:Ji -. -741 /:)ikJ:Ji -. 78 /:J7'ik>fft -.

-4}9ft,:JtA*,tt"2K,JJ:Jt*tt"o :Jt*
-*Jl:Jt*fffto4*Z,Jl**o*1
<r-J**Rt**o.ft-ama*#ft*
**-t, 1,ff--@-Ji.lfloJa
 -
OJC...
g
:,,;- (1)
fifth Lian, and 4 for the negative yu, an expression ( l of the eighth degree
3

-,
whose root is 2. The square of this root is the root of the given expression,
:
2.
and 4 times the root of the given expression is a side of the upper base of
ci1
c:
-,
the terrace. The number of workmen employed and the rate of pay per day c
:::,
7':"
:::,
can be found according to the rule. 0

:::,
CJ>

[Notes]
[ I ] The square terrace is fang ting in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical

Procedures. Let its side of the upper base be a, side of the lower base b, and height h. Its

volume formula given by .The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures is as follows:

V= t ( ab + a 2
+ b 2) h. The Jade Mirror of the Four Unknowns uses the formula.

( G)

( 2] What the statement means js as follows: Let the the number of former square

root be w which can be extracted by the equation w2 - 10w + h = 0. w -lw= i w, a -

w = l. a. a + b = 38. lw is the number of latter square root. ( G ) 209

4
[ 3 ]The expression in modern form is the equation: -4.xS + 78x6 - 74lx4 + 3610x2

- 6552 = 0. ( C )
 .t 1.
[ JP-Jt ]
4- - tv+:frtvz1t. JN:litvn:frt.vz- c i raJ: JLfiiI? 0

B: *ZP"=:frWZ-o
-*El: 'Si.xJC-1-J, otR3ltZo 1t-+:nn =f*s=+1t1-J, =
=flia1'11AIIN, 3-1I7FZ, c i 1lo . r&::i!fttln.l<**3ltz.o itl'ilJo
2

[jiff]
[t]i21;Jttmff9, .IN:, 5}-:ltJ1,Ja, b, c, .dtl!P: a= 3{o, b =5 o ("5)
[2] :ff:n(fgftj\'.;1-J: 2500x2 - 105625 = 0 0 (!*)

[ 4-tf].
+ 41 ] 3 w
9
ffe ' !
M. 5 ffe O ,;;i : !t ;;q } '.Y' ?
$: 6-! ffe
O

Jf(: if.:it.,-;;q!t, ),:J.***-Jt:. .JjtJ-105625;:q, 2500

0

210 ;;q--*.-o*.H,;1(*$.
-fto #fo}f fo] o

2.
( m!Jt ]
4-;f;fJlilin:frWz-, *tv=:frtvZ-o c,i l'ilJ: JLfiiJ?
El: W+:frtvZ1to
*El:'Si.xJC-.iotR*ZoM-=fs=+-.-s
M. 3V1I:tfz, 1io . r&:z:fr7*3ltz.o -frfoJo l l 2

[jiff]
 He Fen Suo Yin ( Problems on Equa
tions with Fractional Roots )
13 Problems

l. The gou is 3 ?o bu and the gu5 3 bu.r I l Find the xian.

Ans.6 bu.i
Process. Let the element tian be xian. From the statement we have I 05625

for the negative shi and 2500 for the positive yu, a quadratic expressionl 2 l

which solved by the Lian zhi tong ti method gives the required xian.

[ Notes l

[ 1 ] Let the right triangle's gou be a, gu b, xian c. That is, a"' 3 (o , b = S 1 ( G)

[ 2 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: 2500x1 =
- I 05625 0. ( C )
- .
-.
\

,..... _
211

2. The gu is 5 bu, and the xian is 61

bu.[ 1 l Find the gou.
9
Ans. 3 10 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be gou. From the statement we have 1521 for
the negative shi and 100 for the positive yu, a quadratic expression. Solv
ing by the zhi fen method we have the required gou.c 2 J

[ Notes l
1
[ I J That is, b =5 5 . c = 6 2l . ( G)
 []
4- as , 1t 61-ffe O 1oJ : t:J :h 1, ; ?
k.,,. 9
: 3 10 70

;f(: i.k:.it-:hiJ, JIA-:Jtp;f.?.i!-,tl.Jt.Wf. o -flftl-1521 n'fft, 100

-, fr+*,iJ o **.-**
o 1fflJrloJ O

3.
( mtx J
4-si-Atv-=?tP"Z-, -tt-+5t-WZ1Lo ri1 loJ: JN:JLfiiJ?
s: 1iP-1i?tt17Z-o
*s=-'1li.Qffl*Zoffl=-tfill9.-M
.Ifl-1ffFZ, [Z) 1.JN: o 7F, fl(Z.7}$AZ. o -g-loJ o

()!ff)
[ 1 J Jltl'!P : c = 6 , a = 3 1 " ( )
[ 2] :Jf1fj.\:e<)ftmj.\:: 100x2 - 2704 = Oo ( )
212

()
4'-ft61-t, iJ 3 {o -ffe c 1oJ: M J, :.Y?
1
$: 55-ffe O

;i(: i.k.fc,- JJt, )/A -Jlu;f;; **.Jt.M o

1fftl -2704 'fa, 100
:hAta,**.ffttlRa*.-**.Jt.a
O..1f '*" fl)f loJ O

4.
c rnt:x: J
4-1[-fR-+ J\.tp--f-=:5}zvZ.1i o [I] ,R : KJl1Jl9?:)-Z. , Jm!Jt1_?:)-
Z-, '1:tt, aK--t--t?tZ-t-/"o [ 2 1 JoJ: it, siz.
JLfiiJ?

.,

fir
C) a.
CD
[ 2 J The expression in modern form is the equation: I 00x2 - 1521 == 0. ( C ) The -. s::;
zhi.fen method is also called /ian zhi tong ti method. ( G). .....
a
I

=r
CD

c:

3. Given the xian 6 i bu and the gou 3 (o bu.t I

J Find the gu.

Ans. 5 l bu.
5
Process. Let the element tian be gu. From the statement we have 2704 for

the negative shi and 100 for the positive yu, a quadratic expression l 2 1.

Solving by the zhi fen method we have the required gu.

[Notes]

[ l ] That is, c = 61 , a = 3 io . ( G)
213
[ 2 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: 100x2 - 2704 = 0. ( C )

4. The zhiji is 18 5 bu;l I land the sum of three-fourths of the length and one
12
third of the width is of the length.[ 2 J Find the length and the width.
. I bu.
Ans. Length, 5 2 bu; width, 34
3
 B:*li-*z= . =*Z-o
*B:-*.toffl*Zo=Wli+.-U-
+-t::faJl>\IW, 3fl-1fffz, ! 3
J if-Ko ,@!.. rJcz?ti!-*Zo 1tfAJo

[ )ff J
[l J ic.1iJ1.a<JifflfR' *' im!JtIJ 1-J s. b' a. Jltf!P: s ::: ab = 18 1 0 ( n)
[ 2 J "-+-t5tz." JH:>Ci1tfr "-+-t5ttvz", t;..{fXiEo .lltllP: J b +
_l a _ 1.b ( 1!117 )
3 - 17 " =w
[3]ff1fAa<JJIJH-\:A'1: 117x2 - 3757 = Oo ()

( it J
+ ji_;f)118152 ffe O .R : 1f1.. * tlJl ' lii) tlJ 1, -=-;t- *
;<] 0 Ja) :

*' f ;,(J j '.),?

$: *5-ffe, fii13Jffeo
'*-: iij(,-5<]*, .-:J,;;t::!-;}t.:Jt.Wf- 0 .ff.fd -3757 5<J't.ft'Jt, 117
-*tft, f;;t, Jd*o;;t.*;}t
0 ,ff.f;--Ji Ja) 0

5.

*, 3-=+-tv-+=*
214
J
( Jffi)t
1i:t-a-+tv=*&z- [ ft:
*, *JLfciJ?
I Jo

tvz1i (
21
0 1uJ:
B:.lf/*tvz=.-ff-+=$:$t$z=o
*B:-.toffl*Zo-=w=+. =fili
+JA1I, -t=M, 31L:nffz, l l 3-o g, tlczft1** 3

Zo 1tr'iiJ o

(ff]
[l J Jttl!P: s = ab =110 o <n)
[ 2) .lltl!P: a + b =21 ; o ( $)
1
[ 3] ff1fAB9JlftA:1-J: -12x2 + 257x - 1326 == Oo ( )
 Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have

3757 for the negative shi and 117 for the positive yu, a quadratic expres

sion r 3 l. Solving by the zhifen method we have' the required length.

[Notes]

[ 1 ] Let zhi ji' s area be S, length b, width a. That is, S = ab ::: 18 5 G)

12 . (
[ 2 ] Shi qi fen zhi was mistaken for shi qi fen bu zhi in the original text. According
' 3 l16
to the statement S .
meantng, . lt.
I revise . Th at IS,
.
4 3 =17
b + a b ( G)

[ 3] The expression in modern form is the equation: l 17x2 - 3757 = 0. ( C)

5. The zhiji is 11O 1 bu; r I lthe sum of the length and the width is 21 f2 bu l. 2
215
Find the length and the width.
Ans. Width, si bu; length, 12 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
1326 for the negative shi, 257 for the positive fang, and 12 for the negative
yu, a quadratic expression r 3 l_ Solving by the zhi fen method we have the
required width.

[Notes]
[ 1 ] That is, S = ab = 110 ! . ( G)
 ( i.l l
4-* Ji. 110 i ffe O )t : *' -f--t.;ft, 3'J 21 i52 ffe O loJ: *' -t ;.9 J,
j?
$: f8ffe, *12Jffeo
'*-: i.t:kJL-3']-f-, l'A"jlll:fP-**-Jt.Wf o .f.:f.f1]-13263'J'fJ:Ji, 257
n-,k>gi i4t, -12 nJlikfgi i4t, :1f--t;t, 1.!f-Jtl-t o 7f-1',
*-t_*;KJt.o o

6.
( Jffi:x l
4-::filiffl-a-+tv=:frtvZ-o .R: -K, fITTJtv--t-=0tvZ-- o( I)

foJ: K, i2"--*JL{i3J?
B: f J\.:$_5J-zvz=. *-t-=tvim:frtvZ- o
*B=*-f.iOffl*Zo--a=+A.T
1JM.1f. -+=M., f1J7Fz. l 2 l i.lfo , z:frt**Zo
A'::;,
A 1Jo

216
(jiff]
[ I ] Jttf!P: S = ab = 110 l.., b - a= 4...!.. o ( $1S)
2 12
[2] :Jf:Jfj.\(i(J}J\l.fMj.\: 12x2 + 49x - 1326 = 0 0 ()

[ i.l]
,4'-;tfJillO ffeo Jt: *' -f.f(.,!_5i941ffeo loJ: *' -f-.3,.;i9J,

: -t si ffe. * 12l ffe

*
o

'*-: i.!:kJC. - 3'] -t , l'A :!(p ;fJ; *-.Jl:. Wf a 1-lf-.f1J - 1326 3'] 'f>gi , 49 n
. -;J;:>gi i. 12 )9 ill ik>ffi i. jf--f-' J1J-t O jf- -1', .!Kl
.z**-Jt.7}4tc P}fl01 0
 >
[ 2 J That is, a + b = 21 .52
(I)
. ( G) ....... __
a
[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: - 12x2 + 257x - 1326 = 0. ( C) s.
;;:r
(I)
,,
0
c:

6. The zhiji is 1101 bu, and the difference between the length and the width

is 4 h bu.[ 1 l Find the length and the width.

1
Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 12 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have

1326 for the negative shi, 49 for the positive fang, and 12 for the positive

yu, a quadratic expression [ 2 l. Solving by the zhi fen method we have the

required width.
, .
.... '
,
'\'

217

[Notes]
[ I J That is, S == ab = I 1 Of, b - a 1
= 4 1 2 . ( G)

[ 2 ] The expression in modem fonn is the equation: J 2x2 + 49x - 1326 = 0. ( C )


izg

7
1&

1:
[ Jj)t ]
-m-N-+=*Z-oR:-=***tvZ
=o [I] fo] ! *, 3-* JLfiiJ?
EI: Jf-;\.-*z=. it--t-=rm*Z-o
*El: 1l.:RJG-1'JK, lllQ>ltZa 1i-=f 1Ls ;\. +1L1'1, =1'1M
1i, -+=111A, 312-:nffz, l 1iita , *z?ti!AZa ii"fiiJo
21

l jiff l
[1] Jltl!P: s = ab = 110 , 3a - 2b = < n) o

[ 2 J JF:n:r.ta<JmHti-t: I2.x2 + 3x - 1989 = O o ( )

* <f.) 2 ,fg- ' '* i ffe

[ 4-]
1
4--lf .H.i.?.. 110 ffe O '%." : f <f.) 3 ' i,eL-!- O lol : *'
-t -3--3'J j )l ?
: -'f'-8-ffe, *12lffeo
;f.: i.t3t- 3'J *, Jl.A"*1,;f.?..*#.-t--Wfo .rf-J1j -1989 3'J 'f.ft, 3 3'J
-,k ia, 12 3',jjl;k_.tffi i.ft, -Jt-t, ,1-f.ftJ* o -Jt.
218 z *
J! 7t #.Jt. 7t.ft 7t ,ff f;--}')f lol
O O

8.
[ 1ffl 3t ]
**1L5tztm,
*,
'.fl1LfJl-Ef-+tl7.=:5ttvZ-o fl: +Jlk;\.,t-z -:,
14/\.$-+.=,t-$z-+- o [I) fiij: 3- JL1JiJ?
EI: Jf-;\.$_Jtttz=. K-+=$D!l?tZ-o
-*E1:1l.JG-1JK.ffl*Za=Ef;\.s=.f
slm1JJA1r, _ 1'f;\. +D!l1Jit, 3f-:nffz, r 21 l!lKo , *z?t
i!>JtZo it"lcJo

(jiff]
7. The zhi ji is 110 1 bu. If from 3 times the width we subtract twice the length

the remainder is bu.! 1 l Find the length and the width.

Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 1_2 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have

1989 for the negative shi, 3 for the positivefang, and 12 for the positive yu,

a quadratic expression C 2 l. Solving by the zhi fen method we have the re-

quired length.

[ Notes l

[ I ] That is, S = ab = 110 1 3a - 2b = !. (G)

[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 12.r + 3x - 1989 = 0. ( C )

219

8. The zhi ji is 11 Ot bu; the sum of of the width and of the length is

8 }1 bu.C I l Find the length and the width.

Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 12 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have

35802 for the negative shi, 7704 for the positivefang, and 384 for the

negative yu, a quadratic expression t 21. Solving by the zhi fen method we

have the required length.

 [ 2] ff 1fA1Jm1.ft*Ajg: -384x2 + 7704x - 35802 = Oo ( 00 )

(if]
*" .1i.. :fP.11o J -ffe o -'' .;.- : + r-J i , * fr-J i , ..::.::tz;f-D 59 8 # ffe o 1;,1 :
* , f 59 .$ :),?
$.: + sfffe, *2-iffe o
'*-= ii.JL-59 *, 1tA-:ki,:fP.7.,**Jt:.Wfo 1l.itl -35802 59 't.tt., 7704
59 - ,k . ' -3 84 59 Jll ,.k. .' ,Jf-f 7.f ' #f j1J * 0 ,Jf-7.f '
-z**Jt:.ao#MMo

9.
( )(]
-ffl-s-+=*Z-a R:-* =, -. .
1t-s-+-+=0-tv-ZJ\.o r I] l'i5J: -K, 31'-* JLfiiJ?
B: 312-J\.tv=*tp-z=. -K-+=tv*tp-z_o
*B: 1..*.JG-:193-, llfJl>i<Zo 1f-li/"sJ\.Jgt(;f.'!f;;,
-t-J\.1JM.JJ. -+=11. 3-:n:Jfz, ( 2 l 1!J31'-o ,@.,
-,=- =
tlcz***
s=
Zo ttl'iiJ o
220

( ii:ff ]
[ I ] 11:tf!P: S = ab =11 o , b + 2a + 3 ( a + b ) + 4 ( b - a ) =11o 8 o (
12
n )

[2] ff1fj:\1)1-\:*A'1: - 12x2 + 1328x - 10608 = Oo ( !*)

(if]
;tf.1i..:fP.1101ffeo 7'-i.: *ff.JI%, ffr-J2%, *' f;f-Dff.)31%, *'
-t
.!. (f.J 41% ' *'1' 110 l ffe Jo] :
O * ' -t
59 ,$ :Jt?
$: -tsf-ffe, *121-ffeo
*-= itkJL- 59f, ltA-:ki,:fP.**Jt:.Wf- 1fJU -10608 59 'f , 1328
0

59-,.k. -. -12 59Jjl;.k_'9i -. -Jr-f-, 1.lf-JUfo -Jf-,

z*--o #MMo


---....

oa.
:::,,.- (1)
[Notes]

[ I ) That1s,S = ab =110
J
. 3
2 8 9a + 4b= 8
11
12
. (G) a

[ 2] The expression in modem form is the equation: -384x2 + 7704x - 35802 =

(1)

....
c:
0. ( C) c
"'
:::,
:::,

:::,
(/)

9. The zhi ji is 1101 bu; the sum of the length, two times the width, three times
8 bu.[ 1 l Find the length and the width.
the he, and four times the jiao, is 11 O 12

Ans. Width, 8 i bu_; length, 12l bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have

10608 for the negative shi, 1328 for the positive fang, and 12 for the nega-

tive yu, a quadratic expression r 2 l. Solving by the zhi fen method we have

the required width. 221

(Notes]
[ l ) That is, S = ab = 11O 1 b + 2a + 3 ( a + b ) + 4 ( b - a ) =110 8 . ( G )
1 2
[ 2 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: - l 2x2 + J 328x - l 0608 = 0.

( c)

Vll
10.
[ Jm)t ]

-fn, 1il*Jlm*,
fur?
=.
*-f]If;l, :b031Z-llQ?f2_-, ;Jti-s-+=tv--J1'$Z= o[ I] .Rz-: -
-zv-+=?tZ/'-o c 21 lilJ: *' 1-JL

s: -;\..--?ttvz=. *-+=$im?twz-- o
*B: .3L:7eJG-1-Jf, OW-3:J<Zo i==f=+;\.1,;. =+--t1-JJ.A
r. -1rffz. r 3 i lfo . rtcz?t7*3J<Zo -ftlilJo
[ff]
[1J Jltl!P: ab + ! a = 112 o ( n)
[ 2 ] Jlt l!P : [ ( a + b ) + 5a ] - [ 4b + 3 ( b - a ) ] = I o ()
1
[ 3] 7f:nAtl9ftA:h: 27x2 - 2028 ;; O ( ) o

[]
li., J,n-'f{f.J l,
,1.J112 ffec .R--: *' -'f;fl,ir-J 1-fg--'fir-J 5
***f.J4**-'tAif.J3*.1ffeo: *,-'t$J
'..Y ?
$: -tsfffe, 12J ffe o*
222 ;f..; ;it-f, V:;fR**Jl:.Wf- ,1-lj-j1J-2028'f4t, 27
0

A&.-t.-'to.H**-
o ,ff fi,'r laJ o

11
[ m{)t J
*-f]If;l, :/Jllf, . -]3---j-]izv-+=?tzvz-o [ l) J=lz-:
-K:, =-$r=lll, ----t-=?ttv-Z:Ror 2 j IAJ: *' lfZ-4}JLfuJ?
s: 3-J\.tv-=?ttvz=. *-+=tv-im?t$z- o

*B: :fl.7eJG-1'JK, llW-3:J<Zo 1ill9-=f--s +-1-JMj;, -+ J\.

11J.A1f, =+im1-JJ.A. 1Jl-1fffz, l 3 l 1i* o . rti:z?tit:*Zo
o 1J o
A';:;,

I 0. The sum of the zhi ji and one-fourth of the width is 112 bu;'. 1 l the sum
,
........

....
of the he and 5 times the width, exceeds the sum of 4 times the length and 3 a
g.
<?>
times the jiao by I \ bu.l 2 J Find the length and the width. 'T1
1 0
....
c:

Ans. Width, 8j- bu; length, 12J bu. c

::::,

::,
0
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
::,

=
2028 for the negative shi, and 27 for the positive yu, a quadratic expres-

sion ( 3 J. Solving by the zhi fen method we have the required width. -=
C":t

en :ra
:DI:a
en :a
iS -<
en c:,
..,..
-"'
[Notes] c-:,

!
:ii:
[ I J That is, ab + a = 112 i. ( G ) :z

6
.....
en
[ 2 ] That is, [ ( a + b ) + 5a ] - [ 4b + 3 ( b - a ) ] = I . (G)
12
[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 27x2 - 2028 = 0. ( C)
I

\--r--- ' :-

223

11. The zhi Ji plus the width minus the jiao is equal to 115 bu;( 1 J the sum
1
of 3 times the length and 2 times the width exceeds the sum of 2 times the he

and 3 times thejiao l bu.r 2: Find the length and the width.

Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 12 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the length. From the statement we have

4131 for the negative shi, 18 for the positive fang, and 24 for the positive
 (ff]
[ 1 J Jltl!P: ab + a - (b - a) =115 12 0
1
en)
[2 J Jltf!P: ( 2a + 3b ) - [ 2 ( a + b ) + 3 ( b - a ) J = 1 o < :n )
[ 3] ff;jJJ.Ilft%1J: 24x2 + 18x - 4131 = 00 ( )

( 4-]
4- j[;fR, uf, **' f,' 115 l ,R-i;.: * {r-J 3 ,fg- f
* * * ' f jtJ j
":YO

{r-J 2 ,fg- tt. f ;fp {r-J 2 ,fg- f .!. {r-J 3 ,fg- j 16i "ffe O laJ :

?j(: i9:*..;i(..-;t] *,
i,:,1.;fR**--J\-M-o tfj -4131}] '$"4t_jjq, 18}]
-Jt,M}]AJ:tt.,fr-f-.ff*ofr.R

12.
[ Jffi:x: l
. 224 1=i1tfR, u*.
0llfl-*Z, f-=f7\+J\.zp-7\)j'$Z-o [ I] ..R: =
;fll, -ttr-1=3JZ, .li. 1L$/'\?ttv-z-0 C 2 l l'oJ: ' 312"-JLfliJ?
EI: :ijZ-;\.$ ?t-z=. *-+=tv-ll!l?t$Z-o
*El: ii..*-:JG-113-, Qffl>J<Zo 1t-li==fJ\.s-+ J\.'1 M;g;;, i.
+i.'11J, -=.+-1Jlt, =-!-ll!l1JJA, 1L1JfFZ. t 3 l 1f:ij2-o
, tti:z?t>l<Zo 'frloJ o

(ff]
[I] JltlW: ( ab + b) a = 1068 !
o ( $)
[2] Jltf!P: [ 2 ( a + b) + b } - [3a + 5 ( b - a ) ] = 9 ! o ( $)
[3] ::Jf1fl'.l{JJJ.Ilft%1J: 24x3 - 3lx2 - 55x - 12818 = Oo ()

g,
O Q.
r-
..... _.
;,,:- Cl>
yu, a quadratic expression r 3 J. Solving by the zhi fen method we have the
0
required length. a
st

...

[Notes]
I
[ l ] That is, ab + a - ( b - a ) = 115 . ( G)
12
[ 2 ] That is, ( 2a + 3b ) - [ 2 ( a + b ) + 3 ( b - a ) ] = ... . ( G )
12

==
-=
[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 24x2 + l 8x - 4131 = 0. ( C )
n=:::

-=
en
"'=
n-c
n
z
...... z
en

12. The sum of the zhi Ji and the length multiplied by the width is equal to
l 068 i bu;l J the sum of 2 times the he and the length less the sum of 3 times
I

the width and 5 times the jiao is 9t bu.l 2 l Fi1;1d the length and the width. 225
Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 12 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
12818 for the negative shi, 55 for the negative fang, 31 for the negative
Lian, and 24 for the positive yu, a cubic expression f 3 l_ Solving by the zhi
fen method we have the required width.

[Notes]
l
[ I ] That is, ( ab + b) a = 1068 6. ( G)

[ 2] That is, [2(a+b) +b] - [3a+5(b-a)]

 []
A.*.-t.IMS!o: *,f-2*
1%.*f-3%*+A5% . 9!ffeoM: *'
-t$- 1 j,?
$: f-8j-ffe, * 12lffeo
;f.; il.k.it- f, }'::,( :!111:fR *>tJt.Wf- 0 1-1" .flj -12818 'f 4t_.J1i, -55
59 - ,k 4t , -31 59 =- ,k ;tjlf 4t , 24 Jli. ?,ij ;k_ '1i 4t , -1t ..ft. , 1-ff
.f-to-1f".-*-oMo

13.
[ mtx. )
ffl. *. . -n-Ttsli+--srrn+rrn5tz
J\.-t-=o J ..R: .&rrn-+-=5tzt f 2 lo !Al: *' *JL1iiJ?
f

B: 3JZ,J\.=5tz-=, *-+=tv-rrn5tz=o
*B:-.jffl*Zo ffl-s+ft7JETsn+-=
M.Tftff*+M 1f.Tts -= +Mk. -= T*Nrrn
+Mr,-, nati-/\M/W, =*:nH-z. l l 1-So . ttcz 3

226
5tr!>}(Zof'J.1t-arrn7J-=-=fJ\.+rrn1Z.n-=f-=s;\.+--n-=-=fJ\.s'1
.-=T-=-t-t-1-*H-W+='1M:n.-=f-+
n=-=fa=+;\.Mk.-nli-=fta+='1Mr.-'1
. -*:n,fz, C l t=a;\.-t-rffi, Sj)tHJ;t'gzo 1.IEJ uio
4

[ - l
83
[ 1 ] J.lt f!P : ( ab ) 2
- ( a + b ) 2 = 117 51 o ()
144
[2] .llt!!P: a - ( b - a ) = 4 172 o ( )
[ 3 ]ffjfj:\8':Jftj:\1:/: 57 - 2640x3 + 1729.r + 3960x - 1695252 = Oo( )
[ 4] ff:n.:i:tB':JJIB,f-t1:/: y4 + 15792y3 + 91902528y2 + 233700360192y -
104208452812800 = O o ( )
 [ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 24.x3 - 31x2 - 55x - 12818

= 0. ( C)

13. The difference between the squares of the zhi ji and the he is
!{
117511 bu;f 11 the jiao is less than the width by 4-i; bu l 2 J. Find the length
and the width.
Ans. Width, 8 bu; length, 12 l bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the width. From the statement we have
1695252 for the negative shi, 3960 for the positive fang, 1729 for the posi
tive first lian, 2640 for the negative last lian, and 576 for the positive yu, an
expression[ 3 i of the fourth degree. Solving we have the integral part of the 227
root. The fractional part can be obtained by applying the zhi fen method by
which we have the following expression: 104208452812800 for the nega-
tive shi, 233700360192 for the positive fang, 91902528 for the positive
first Lian, 15792 for the positive last lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an
expression r 4 l of the fourth degree whose root is 384. After reducing the
fraction to its lowest terms we have the whole root required r 5 1.

(Notes]
83
[ I ] That is, ( ab ) 2 - ( a + b ) 1 = 1175 I 144 . ( G )

[ 2 ) That is, a - ( b - a ) = 4 ..l (G)

12.
 ]t;
[ 5 J uor:
576 -2640 +1729 +3960 -1695252 ( 8
4608 +15744 +139784 +1149952
1968 17473 143744 545300
4608 52608 560648
6576 70081 704392
4608 89472
11184 159553
4608
15792
i:iJ% 576.x4 + 15792x3 + 159553x2 + 704392x - 545300 = 0, ( 1)
z?t Jj!Jt:nr!r:r-1-:n%-=f'55>-1-:tf,.13.lfr: iJ:ti1f
n

-*f19mffl(lg1f,!.ffi o l;J!t, ;(fr1J!tl!fl1, I,') 576* (I) ag.=_1jfi, IV. 5762

=1ffi. lV-@ffl1jJi, o Tffi. 576R-.Uftill
1fj!J:
y + 15792y3 + 91902528y2 + 233700360192y - 104208452812800 = 0
ffR1-. ftffllt!U384, ;Jt:1-JrJr*.mags16fflo . : W-:n
fi'lmf19t}$?t o < rro)
228

[]
4'-j[;f?-, g].3Tt, *' -f-.t ... , "*11751f2i "!Yo 7'-i-: ie, f
t. -f- :,Y 4 i72 -!Y o toJ : -!c , -t jlJ 1 :.Y ?
$: -f-8-!Y", 1c12l"!Vo
;i(; ii.}t- jlJ-f-, l-'A-;iti,;f?-7i**Nf- 0 1Jf-J1j-}695252j/J ,t >li, 3960
jlJ- ik. .1:i1i i a, 1129 jlJ.::.. ik. * a, -2640 jlJ _;.. ik. tt, s16 jlJ Jil
**-.ff*7i,-toff7i.H.t**-:
.!f.1f11J -1042084s2s12800 jlJ 'f 41*, 233100360192 jlJ-;k.,:Ji ia.
91902528 jlJ.::..;k_.1:!Ji ,., 15792j/J ;..iK_ i. 1 jlJ ili.*Jgi . ff
;k_jj, 1.lf .i 384, 11= jlJ -f-, 576 .#1 tti ik\, 1tA.:J-J1J :ft 71'" o
.rf Ji)f fo} O
 [ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 576x4 - 2640x3 + 1729x2 +

3960x - 1695252 = 0. ( C) -
:f
(b
4 2
[ 4] The expression in modem form is the equation: y + 15792y3 + 91902528y
c:
+ 233700360192)' - 104208452812800 = 0. ( c)

[ 5 ] The process is as follows:

576 -2640 +1729 +3960 -1695252 ( 8

4608 +15744 +139784 +1149952

1968 17473 143744 545300

4608 52608 560648

6576 70081 704392

4608 89472

11184 159553

4608
..
j'
15792
-
Forming the remainders into a new expression we have 229
576x4 + 15792t'1 + 159553x2 + 704392x: - 545300 = 0, ( I )

The zhi fen method is the same as the modem method of transforming an equation

into another whose root is m times the root of the original equation. Thus in solving this

problem we multiply the second term of expression ( l ) by 576, the third term by squared

576, the fourth term by cubed 576, and so on. Dividing this expression by 576 in order to

simplify the problem we obtain the expression:

I + 15792y3 + 91902528y1 + 233700360192y - 104208452812800 == o.

Solving this expression we obtain the root 384 which is 576 times the required root.

Therefore : or is the fractional part of the required root. ( C )

_
 Mi"ffl' =rnJ
l!!1Jti tp

1
[ mtx 1
1i}:1*, i11*, .:li3*-.R. ;tt:m=+=-t.nJJ:n=f=s1'+im7t-t
z- JJ--=f_+-. itm--ff-+ n--+--+ ;1....c-JJ=-=f;1....s
+1'7tcz-n TAS-+-o _R :fri!Ml_ffjJQffllM)mJ--t, ffl
[I) Zi":

IMIJWJ!JJ$ .:f.lM!mJ--t rmJwHiS"t'!, 4ili.P.1Jitt*.

o :1f-,j"ffi:
::t:!if.ij..'$ 0

-+:n-+11....ti. fLt1r-,tm-+=1'. . t1ttr-tzm:fli<*a:@>

71-:ozJf-'fI--to f1c(Jt-'7L.}fko[ J fllJ: =IM]JaJ};tlR'f, :m45-JL{iiJ?
2

s:1i}:.ffiJJL-t.m-+n-t-+1'7t-tz=.m-+imrr-+
:nim11....5tz-t;
JWJ11....-t.m-+-t-s.li+-tJt-tz_+,m-tfi-+
==+-s1i +-tJtz=+11....;
230
:fr.JWJ-t-t. fJl1'-t sn+=*-tz=s11....+JL. m=rr
-+n-+-trm+lmJtczim+-o
*EI: JI.Jc"JG-jgffilJJaJ, afJl:5JtZo 1f.lis.:._. -t7'7J;\.-=f-s-+
-'1. fil!Ji1L-=flm 117'tlffi1JM1f,=::n1L=t7's/\. +='111.
-lJJi-f--jJM. 3'L.1f Jf z, l 1f:ffr:IMIJaJ o JZ.: :fl.Jc"JG-7'Jt&
31

.ffo. afJtJj(zo i.lis=+=JJ1\.-=f=s1\.+;Jg. =7J-=s1ii

=;JgM1f, rms-t+-;JgM!fi. -JJ:n+-;JgM. :fl.1rJfz,r 1 1, 4

alMIJWJo Jl.::fl.Jc"JG-7'J.:f.JWJ. ffl*Zo ffl1is+:n-t-=fn

s1i'1fil.1i.7J--=f_sim+11....'1M1f. - JJ7' 11=+im11M. -
JJJi-t-jg,b\, :fl.;fffZ, 1fJ1MJJWJ o ii"fllJ o
[S)
 BOOK 11
Ru Yi Hun He ( Mixed as You Please
[ or Various Figures ] )
2 Problems

I. The sum of the volumes of three balls, one of gold, one of silver, and the

other of jade, is 32 (cubic) inches. Their combined weight is 1 cheng

!
l O Jin 11 Liang 18 ; J zhu. ( 1 l It is said that the circumference of the gold
ball exceeds the circumference of the silver by one inch, and the circumference
of the silver exceeds the circumference of the jade by one inch. It is required
that we use the ancient value ( of 'TT ) for the gold ball, Hui' s value for the
silver, and the mi value for the jade. According to Zhang QiuJian, a cubic inch
of gold weighs 15 Liang 18 zhu, and a cubic inch of silver 12 Liang 6 zhu.
According to The Nine Chapters of Huang Di, a cubic inch of jade weighs 7
Liang. \.
2
l Find the circumferences, volumes, and weights of the three balls. 231

Ans. Gold ball:

circumference, 9 inches;
volume,15 ( cubic) inches;
1
weight, 14 Jin 15 Liang 4 zhu.
Silver ball:
circumference, 8 inches;
volume, 10
?s (cubic) inches;
weight, 7 Jin 12 liang 20 zhu.
1
Jade ball:
 [ ii:ff l
( 1 J ii:, ffl, 3i.1*1Jf*?t!t v 1 , v1 , v F Jttl!P: v 1 + v 2 + V 3 =
11031
55264 ""to ic, ffl, .:E3*1Jffi::ltJt!1Jg,, gz, gJ , Jttl!P: g, g2 gJ = lff
32 + +
13611
10,,Fr 11 18 o
13816 ( )
[2J ic, m, .3ilJ**!'J 1 1 1 .ittl!P: 1 1 = 1, 1
1, 2 3, 1 - 2 2 - 13 = 1o
1J;l.i!fflj 3 l l , -* ;; , W $ ; , { JL-*} :ff.1L lffl * ,
1 2
3*f*ffl V
filll v - 9 ,r.1_ 9 ( 1 l ) 3 - l /3 - 9 ui-
- ....2_ d3 '. - 48 1' v2 -
16 u, 16 3 I
;;t-.+, d .>h1*AftZ.
- 16 /'JR:J-'=l..1X, J{ I - - .r\_
16
....2_ ( 50 I ) 3 _ 140625 p V _ 9 d3 _ 9 ( . 7 l ) 3 _ 3087 13 ( mr )
16 157 2 - 7739786 2' 3 - 16 J - 16 22 J - 170368 3 '3'1'
0

[ 3 ] :ff/] lJ JJe1-t:fff:J;J :

1005lx3 - 29682x2 + 49464x - 5368113 = O o ()

l005lx3 + 47 lx2 + 20253x - 5338280 = O o ()

1005lx3 + 30624x2 + 51348x - 5307505 = Oo ( !*)

232
[ A, l
4'-J4t, 4llJ4t, .!,.J4l-_R, $,.#-;fP-;li 32 -t, -t"l#'-10
}f 11 18 :}! 4to _R : mJ ft] tt.{l llJ ft] J 1 "t, 4l llJ ftJ tt. .!,. !IJ ftJ
Jl"toOO-*.OOol"t 3 tl518.,
4l l -.j- 3 -f:" 12 6 . 1t, 4!l J i" 3 -f:f:# {*.6:.J!}o .!,. 1 -.j- 3 y-\::;o

#II_ < .. i,:lt;f > t*-o fol.=..# Ill 2l 1n <r-J ;fP--.j-, 5'9 j '.Y?
: ll)ft] 9-t' #-lY-1 5 -.j- 3 ,
1 t 14 fr 15 4; .0

4ttml %1 8 -t' #- 1013.-t 3' 7 )f 12 20*70

.!,. mJ ft] 7 "t, if-lY-6 Wi-t 3
, -:t" 2 fr 15 17 !! o
 circumference, 7 inches;
volume, 6 ( cubic ) inches;
weight, 2 jin 15 Liang 17 zhu.
Process. Let the element tian be the circumference of the gold ball. From
c
the statement we have 5368113 for the negative shi, 49464 for the positive ::,

fang, 29682 for the negative Lian, and I 0051 for the positive yu, an expres i
::,
en

sion [ 3 l of the third degree whose root is the circumference of the gold
ball. Again let the element tian be the circumference of the silver ball.
From the statement we have 5338280 for the negative shi, 20253 for the
positive fang, 471 for the positive Lian, and 10051 for the positive yu, an
expression r 4 l of the third degree whose root is the circu1nference of the
silver ball. Again let the element tian be the circumference of the jade
ball. From the statement we have 5307505 for the negative shi, 51348 for
the positive fang, 30624 for the positive lian, and 10051 for the positive yu,
an expression 5 lof the third degree whose root is the circumference of the
jade ball. 233

[ Notes J
[ I ] Let the gold ball's volume be V1 , the silver ball's volume V2 , and the jade

baJl 's volume V3 That is, V1 + V2 + V3 = 32 !! (cubic) inches. Let the gold

ball's weight beg 1 , the silver ball's weight g 2 ' and the jade ball's weight gr That is,

g 1 + g 2 + g3 = 1 cheng lOjin 11 Liang 18 !! zhu. ( G)

[ 2 ] Let the circumference of the gold ball be / 1 , the circumference of the silver

ball /2, and the circumference of the jade ball /3 That is, /1 - 12 = l ,/2 - /
3
= I. The
2
ancient value ( of ,r ) is 3. Hui 's value ( of ,r ) is 1fJ , and mi value ( of ,r ) ; .

According to the kai Ii yuan method in The Nine Chapter of Mathematical Procedures,
 ;K: jn:.- .79 mJ JJ1 , v:J. :!lt,;f?.;;5" * *-Jt:. Wf-o .t?f.fU -5368113 .79 'tA
1:ili , 49464 jJ - ;J:. 1:ili if..A, -29682 jJ .::.: ;J:. Jjli if..A , I 0051 jJ it ;J:. 1:ili
if..A, *.:;5".JJ1 o X:n:.-jJ.J!], :!lt,;f?..:;5"*
*-Jt:. kif. o .!f-.fu -5338280 .79 '* 1:ili , 20253 ji- ;J:. Jjli i. A, 471 .79 =-;k
.if...,10051)91:iliif..., *.:;5",ff-J!] o X:
n:.- .79 ..I... ml J!] , v:J. :!it, :f?-.:;5"* '*-$.- Wf- o l J1J -5307 505 jJ 't 1:ili , 51348
jJ - ;):_ Jjli , 30624 jJ =- ik. 1Ji .ft, 10051 jJ Jfl ik. 1Ji , *
.:;5"' .!f-iJ .L 00 JI] 0 .ffp)f loJ O

2.
[ mt:x: 1
Jf!, rm1f!*r,:tfW, W. ..ll. .:trOO,.ll.
trim, -Jiff, lR-JJlieJ\.+1Llfo[ l) _.R: .ll.:tfiii.&-
234
00-1-.:triiili*z=o-T-iii-.-.ll.
ol!ffifltaMiii*.ia:trfl*o -M, ffigiiiffl
ffi1t-+=1-o .SV-l!ffi12riaiii-t?tzo cii faJ: JL!JJLfilJ?
s: _1f!-=r-+n-t-, 1ar-+;\.-t-;
:nW= +rmR, lmliffi--t-=R;

.lfl-tfiii_+JiR, fl:.trmi-+R;
-r-+:Ro
#B: .ll.:Rx.-1J=Jf!r. :tialR>tZo 1t=s;\.+JJ=f;\.1"_
+ 111JiE. +:n;\. -=fs- +JL1Jii:tr. -:n;\.-f-;\.a7\+n1J
the volume of a ball is as follows: V = d3. The dis the diameter of the baJI. Therefore,
1
2
VI l <P, l I, }l = 4 I' v2 = l = ( l 2 )3 = 1\1 i6 1 v3 = ld;
= =
( l 1

9 ( 7 1 )3 3087
)
= 16 22 3 = 170368 . ( G

[ 3 J The expression in modem form is the equation: J005lx3 - 29682.r + 49464x

- 5368113 o. ( C)
=

[ 4] The expression in modem form is the equation: 1005Ix3 + 47lx2 + 20253x -

5338280 = 0. ( C )

[ 5] The expression in modem form is the equation: 10051x3 + 30624x2 + 51348x

- 5307505 = 0. ( C )

2. There are two piles of fruit, one with a triangular base and the other with a
square base; two bundles of arrows, one round and the other square; a circle,
a sphere, and a pile of hay. The sum of their volumes ( and areas ) is I 0589
suan.l I l It is said that an edge of the cube is less by I than a side of the trian-
gular base but is two-fifths of a side of the square base; a side of the base of 235

the pile of hay exceeds a side of the base of the triangular pile of fruit by 1 and
equals the diameter of the sphere; the circumference of the round bundle of
arrows equals the great-half of a side of the square base of the pi)e of fruit and
equals also the middle-half of the perimeter of the square bundle of arrows;
the sum of the sides of the triangular base and the square base is 33; and the
diameter of the circle exceeds a side of the square base by four-sevenths ( of
itself). l 2 J Find the nine dimensions.
Ans. Side of the triangular base, 15;
side of the square base, 18;
 =sA+JfRf-Rsli+=jJJf,-tJf;\flisR+=jJM. R
Ef _7JM,1L1J7fz, C l1fll!IJH-=fo X: 1L*-jJ1Jffii57rmJ,
4

afJ"{>itZo 1JJ\TI\SJ\+=nRf-s-+=jjiE. RsfL+li

7f-f-t+=71M1r.-+lin-t-=t-s=+im1gM..nstm
'1MIIM, .rz:.Jr7fz, [ s 1 )!P1t niffi5'r m x = .rz:.3(-'11Ml;,i-Jai,
o

affl>Jtz.o t=-=t=a=+7f7\-=f1ia=+J\jgiE, _atm+-tJf

li-=flia-+R1JMJJ' --t-JiJf-t-=t-s=-f-imjJM. --=f/\S
.JLjJ. :il.15"7fZ.,c 61 1ij[M]ffiiro X: :il.*-'1-1. a
ffl>ltZo 1i1L1Zli-=t=s-+Jfll!l-=f!\Ef J\+ J\7JiE, im-=t=sli
+-tnn-=t=s-+AjJ:1J.1i+tmJf1L-=tns=+im1gM.8,
-=t,\sfLjJ. 1l.Jf7fz., C l 1f.:ifl-o Jl: .l[*-jJ}'[lfru
7

.jaffl*Z.offl- sll!l+-t7f_-=fJis=+R7JiE,R+ll!IJfll!I
236 -=f_EfR+1-JMJf, -Jf-t-=fli+R1-JM.8. Rs=jJM.. 'iLJf7f

Jfli-=t,\a=+nygiE. -t+-7f-f-s=+lijJM:1r,-n=
. .

s=+-tJgM.ffi!. -a=+R [ R5t:tJM. . .3:'L1f7FZ, 1ilfl-1f

9
)

ffi l Jl: }'[;f:.-1} .fl.Jfffij, llffl>J<Z.o 1-f=S=+ JiJJ -1::-=f

O
[ IO

J\ s7\+tm1-liE, li+RJfI\-=f.JLEf :tlMJf, .=JfREf-t+ll!l1-JM.

7\Ef_jJM,, .3:'L1fffz. C 1i1Lnffito .:R: .3:'L*.-jJ

111

--=f,jDffl>ltZoffl=sim+-tJf=-=tlis_+R:tliE,R+ll!I
Jfll!l-=f_sA+'1M1f,-Jf-t-=fli+R71M. REf_:tJM. .rz:.
nffz, [ 1-l1f.-=fo foJo
121
 OJ c...
O ll)
O ci
::,,;- (D
perimeter of the square bundle of arrows, 24;
a
circumference of the round bundle of arrows, 12; a
=:!"
diameter of the circle, 42 chi; (D

c:
diameter of the sphere, 16 chi; c
::::,
:,,:
side of the square, 35 chi; ::::,

::::,
side of the cube, 14 chi; (FJ

side of the pile of hay, 16.

-=
en:Di =
n=:::
Process. Let the element tian be a side of the triangular base of the pile of
ena<= :Di
fruit. From the statement we have 2846835 for the positive shi, 608439 for
en=
the negative fang, 18865 for the positive Lian, and 603 for the positive yu, n

en......
:z:
:z:
a cubic expression : 3 J whose root is a side of the triangular base. Again
let the element tian be a side of the square base of the pile of fruit. From the
statement we have 24982344 for the positive shi, 2606652 for the negative
fang, 78562 for the positive Lian, and 603 for the negative yu, a cubic ex-
pression! 4 lwhose root is a side of the square base. Again let the element 237

tian be the perimeter of the square bundle of arrows. From the statement

we have 88826112 for the positive shi, 6951072 for the negative fang,
157124 for the positive Lian, and 9041 for the negative yu, a cubic expres
sion 5 lwhose root is the perimeter of the square bundle of arrows. Again
let the element tian be the circumference of the round bundle of arrows.
From the statement we have 22206528 for the positive shi, 3475536 for the
negative fang, 157124 for the positive Lian, and 1809 for the negative yu, a
cubic expression ( 6 1 whose root is the circumference of the round bundle
of arrows. Again let the element tian be the diameter of the circle. From
 [ 1 J A)f::ffa$filff1', ,R, R., J.RZ, AtlVJf.ic;JtfRZ,flo ic=:M
, lm:fflZfRJtjJIJv,, V2 , 1Jffj, f,j09,R5tjj1J,1;Ju 1 , u2 , lJZ-001, lllffl1

Jtj}IJ:.*Jd,, d2 , :trmL 1r.1fiffi7}jJ1J:.*Ja., a , -=f:.*Jvo .iltf!P:

2 VI + v2 + u, +

c3 , 1 1 , 12 , .iltffP: c1 -a2 = 1, a2 =; a,, c3 -c 1 = l, c3 =d2 , 12 =

ic 2, 12 =

i l,' c, + c2 = 33' d, - c2 = j d, n )
0 (

603x3 + 18865.r - 608439x + 2846835 = Oo ( )

-603x3 + 78562x1 - 2606652x + 24982344 = Oo ( )

[ 5 ) 7fJf:i:\B91"t%:i:\1'.7:
-904 i x3 + 157124.r - 6951072x + 88826112 = Oo ( )
JZ., $,IJIIJ.iltrz "f!P" . X16'o en>
238
[ 6 ] ;ff1Jj:.\ a(] :f-t% i.\ 1'J :
-1809x3 + 157124.r - 3475536x + 22206528 = Oo ( )
[ 7] ff:1ff-t%:1ii:

-1809x3 + 549934x2 - 42575316.t + 952104888 = Oo ( )

[ 8 J ;ff1r.5:t 89lli.ft%.it 1'J :

=-t =
603x3 + 17056.r - 644360x + 3473536 = O o ( )
[9J "-13 R.", JH:>Ci.ttfl: .. -13 -tffe", .-fl<-til.iEo "R." r ":f;;Jt",
f!P 0.6 R o ( )

[ 10] 3f1r.it89lli.ft%:it:1ii:
120.6x3 + 10337.r - 711125x + 7055825 = Oo ( )
[ 11 ] 3f1J5!'.:89Ji.ft.it:.*J:
 g'
CD
the statement we have 952104888 for the positive shi, 42575316 for the t::::s
a
negativefang, 549934 for the positive Lian, and 1809 for the negative yu, a 9..
:::::r
cubic expression( 7 lwhose root is the diameter of the circle. Again let the "T1
0
c:
element tian be the diameter of the sphere. From the statement we have

3473536 for the positive shi, 644360 for the negative fang, 17056 for the

positive Lian, and 603 for the positive yu, a cubic expressionl 8 lwhose root

is the diameter of the sphere. Again let the element tian be a side of the

square. From the statement we have 7055825 for the positive shi, 711125

for the negative fang, 10337 for the positive Lian, and 120 chi [ 9 l 6fen for

the positive yu, a cubic expression r 10 l whose root is a side of the square.

Again let the element tian be a side of the cube. From the statement we

have 2257864 for the positive shi, 568900 for the negative fang, 20674 for

the positive lian, and 603 for the positive yu, a cubic expressionl 11 l whose

root is a side of the cube. Again let the element tian be the base of the pile
239
of hay. From the statement we have 3473536 for the positive shi, 644360

for the negative fang, 17056 for the positive Lian, and 603 for the positive

yu, a cubic expression l 12 l whose root is the base of the pile of hay.

[Notes]
[ l ] The units of some dimensions are different. There are ge, zhi, chi, and shu.

Therefore, we can use suan for the sum of the volumes ( and areas ) of alJ di mentions. Let

the volume of the pile with a triangular base be V1 , the volume of the pile with a square

base V2, the arrows number of the square bundle u 1 , the arrows number of the round
 llY
.:fi. 603.x3 + 20674.r - 568900x + 2257864 = 0 0 ( )

l:p 603.x3 + l 7056.x2 - 644360x + 3473536 = 0 0 ( )

+*, a ffi**,oo,+ooa,a,+*,
*.--.Jt.}l]l0589o:*ftlA
1+,+*{r,J o AffJAf1. ooaooo
if7J-JJ]Jt a ffJA{r,J, *if7f-follr-Ji o ffi, a ffJAz:ft71J33
+ o +aitaffJAf+alr-J o MffJA, a ffJA,*if
11-fol,fol,+e.ooa,+*'*,A#
}} j 1'?

$: ftJAts+, &ffJAt8+;
* M" ,1- %} 24 , 00 ;1-fol 12 ;
+ml&42..R.., m},1 16..R..;
240
+* 35 ..R.., * 14 ..R..;
A 160
?f..: i9:kJL-}l] ffJ A, i,:J.-Jia***-$.-WF-o 1-f.f1J 2846835 }l] 1ta
>9i, -6os439}l]-ik>9iia. 18865}J..::..ik>9iia. 603}l];flik>9ii
a.*.ffJAo :kJL-)l}&ffJA. *'1
,:!-*-Jt.Nf 0 1.lf.ftJ24982344}lJ '$".tJl, -2606652}l]-;.k_>9i . 78562
* . 1t.1-- j1J affJ A
;,f.
}l]..::.. ;x>9i i a,-603}} a ik>9i i a ,-Jt o x.:
i9:kJL-}l] 71- fol , y:J. *'1?5" *;.tJt. W#-o ff .iJ 88826112 jiJ 'ta.tJi,
-6951072 ;9-ik -. 157124 }l] ..::..;.k_>9i i.tt, -904 i }l] ik
ia,-Jt*.tff*o :kJL-;9-.
bundle u2 , the diameter of the circled,, the diameter of the sphere d2 , the side of the square

a,, the cube a2 , and the base of the pile of hay v. That is, V, + V2 + u, + u2 + d, + d2 +

a , + a2 + v = 10589. ( G)

[ 2] Let the triangular base be c 1 , the square base c2 , the base of the pile of hay c3 ,

the perimeter of the square bundle of arrows /1 , and the circumference of the round bundle
2 2 1
c1 = l,c3 = d2 ,l2 =
of arrows/2 .Thatis, c, - a2 = l,a2 =
5 a 1 ,c3 -
3 c2,/2 =
21 ,1

4
c 1 +c2 = 33, d1 - c2 =
7 d1 ( G)
[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 603x3 + l 8865x 2 - 608439x

+ 2846835 = o. ( C )

[ 4 )The expression in modem form is the equation: -603x3 + 78562x2 - 2606652x

+ 24982344 = 0. ( C )

[ 5 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: -904 x3 + l 57 l 24x 2 -

6951072x + 88826112 = 0. (C)

And it is unnecessary that Luu Shilin deleted the following character ji. ( G )
241
[ 6] The expression in modern form is the equation: - I 809x 3 + l 57 l 24x 2 -

3475536x + 22206528 = 0. ( C )

( 7 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: - l 809x 3 + 549934x 2 -

42575316x + 952104888 = 0. ( C )

[ 8 ) The expression in modem form is "the equation: 603x 3 + l 7056x2 - 644360x

+ 3473536 = o. ( C )

[ 9 ) The original text is 120 bu. It is a mistake. Now I revise it according to the

calculation. The following 6/en is 0.6 chi. ( G)

[ 10 ]The expression in modem form is the equation: I 20.6x3 + I0337x 2 - 71 l 125x


ll!l
.3i: ;f?.**-4t.Jt.M-o 1- .?J-JIJ 22206528 79'fft'9i, -3475536 79-ik.'9i R:.,
15112479 ..::.. *- , ft. -1s0979ii jij ik , a. fr .ft.* 1t.-1-- j,J oo it
q:J 1rftlo X..: i.t:k.1L-79-'f1:, y.:J.;f.?.***-Jl:.M- o -1--.iJ952104888
79-t. -4257531679-ikia. 54993479..::.;.k.R:.a, -1809
79Ajijik.'9iR:.ft,fr.ft.*,t-t& o x..::k-79.ft.lRJ&,
y.:J.;f.?.::t**-Jl:.Mo 1--.itl 347353679-tft, -64436079-ikR:.4t,
17056 J..::.. ik. '4t' 603 79 jij ik. '.' -Jt .ft.* 1t.1--.iJ .ft. ml 0
5l:.1L-79-'f*.;f?.***-Wfa7M5579'ta
, -111125 39-;.k. ,a. 10331 79 ..::.;k..lJi ,a. 120 1i79 it rii ik
.,a.-Jt.ft.*, t-t*o X..::kj(,-39.ft.*. ;f.?.
***-Jl:.Mo 1--.iJ225786479'fa, -56890079-;.k.'9i ta. 20674
39 ..::.. ik. 'ft ' 603 39 it rii ik. 'ft, -Jt .ft.* ' 1t.1--j1J.ft.* 0 5l:

i.t:k.1L-79 :f.J!.-f-, y.:J.-Jti,;f.?.:;t *.;jt.:Jt.fff. o .itl 347353679'fft.lJi, -

64436079- *- , , 11056 :h..::.. ik ,a, 603 jiJ lTl. iii ik,a, -Jt
.ft. * , 1A-- .iU 3l. $ .I!. --r o ,ff 1;--JiJr 1oJ o
242
 8
,,_.. >
+ 7055825 = o. ( C ) 1::::13:;

....
0
[ 11 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 603x3 + 20674x2 - 568900x 2.
::r
>
+ 2257864 = 0. ( C ) "TI
0
....
c::
2
( 12 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 603x3 + 17056x - 644360.x

+ 3473536 = 0. ( C )

243

ll!I

1
c mtx l
4-';ff-Jf, !mEB4}-o mlM1i"o =fJtffl*1.f-JJ1i-=f-.lis.li-t-=tf7 0C 1 l
tr tr
R zr : EB oo ml ff! Nij , :ii tf7 a 1 2 l l'iil : oo , [!gJ JL{iiJ?
B:tfffi:f--t-=. Nij -t-Atf7 o
*B=*-trEBOO.ffl*z o m=ns -+A1'J.-
1'JiE. *=*trz. C 3 l 1itrEBOO--t-=o X: 7r;-l!ID
EBm,taffl*Zoffl-WA+H ft*W-+*1'1.-1'JiE,
-*trffz, [ l 1i!MI EB}s] o i}-fn.J o
4

[ j_!ff]
[ l] ie1JEBa<Juff,f,R, JtliE:1tJtl,:1;Jsl ' a, 9ltlSI = a2 ; EEIEF-Jffii, Jli]tE:7tJ1JJg

S2 , l, $.M.i:i"r'!J\li:1311 .!J!IJS2 =
1
f2c tltl!P: S1 S2 = 1a2f2 = 155520 ()
[ 2] .lltf!P: l + a = 3o ( $T.5)
244 [3J ;JfjJj.\'.;a<)Jmft%it.1g: x' - 20736 = O o ( '*)

(4) ;Jfjfj.\'.;a<)Jmft%it'1: x' - 1679616 = Oo ('*)

[ 4-]
4'-* \rJ, 00 \rJ -lko III ifs.ii<. **o _::.Jk: iiJ;fR,tro*-1.rf- 15552 ffe o .R :
*
m] \rJ iJ ft] F,t.- YA * \rJ {r-J itL*' 1.rf- 3 loJ : ;t \rJ itL *' IMJ \rJ ft]* jlJ !, :.Y ?
* *
0

$ : :n- lfJ itL 12 -ffe ' mi lfJ ft] 36 ffe O

:J(.-*lfJifL*, ;fR***-o -20036;,79

, 1 Jjl ;k. *" ' -Jt Q:!1 ik *' * *
1.rf- j1J \rJ itL 12 ffe 5l : ii
*,
O

JL- jlJ IIJ lfJ Jl] 1-'A -:ko;fR * **. 1.rf-f1J -1679616 jlJ . 3'.Ji , I
0

-*3'.JiJ. -Jtro:,;t. m]a:JJ!J*, MMo

 Fang Yuan]iao Cuo ( Containing
Squares and Circles )
9 Problems

1. The product of the areas of two farms, one in the form of a circle and the
other a square, is 15552 bu.f I l It is said that a quotient of the circumference of
the circle and a side of the square is 3 bu.C 2 lFind the side of the square and the
circumference of the circle.
Ans. Side of the square, 12 bu;
circumference of the circle, 36 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be a side of the square farm. From the state
ment we have 20736 for the negative shi, and 1 for the positive yu, a bi
quadratic expression [ 3 l whose root is the required side. Again let the
-'

element tian be the circumference of the circular farm. From the statement
,-
we have 1679616 for the negative shi, and 1 for the positive yu, a biqua- 24S
dratic expression f 4 l whose root is the required circumference.

[Notes]

[ I ) Let the area and the side of the square be 5 1 and a, then, S, = a2 Let the area

and the circumference of the circle be S1 and /. We take the ancient value ( of 'TT ),

namely, 3. Then, S2 = 12. That is, S/i2 = a2/2 = 15552. ( G)

1 1
( 2 ] That is, l + a = 3. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: .r - 20736 == 0. ( C )

[ 4] The expression in modem form is the equation: .r - 1679616 = 0. ( C)

\
 2.
[ Jj)t ]
4-*i1f, IMIEB*-Jl:o IMIJAlbfco tf{-=armi---t$:-a1i+--t5t$:z-=
+1to [I] ,R : 1Jffif *,
l*Jbll!MI, jtlf-a )\. +$: o [ 2) tu]: IMIJI6,
1iim JLfoJ?
S: -+*$:,1iffif-+-=o
*B:-EB.ffl*Zoffl-ft+*,
s-+rm1J, -=+niE, .iJZ-1i:ffzC 3 l, 1tlMJEB)liJ a 5(: "iL
*-1rffi00,ffl*Zoffl--t+ --=T-liJ\.+iE,;\.
TT\SJ\.+*_ttft, -=+niE. -*1i:ffz,
[ 4 l 1f1fEBim o
iJ"lnJo

[jiff]
[1 J UID.$.b'dltf: Ji.1157 so, !i!U s2 "'
3
P, J.ltf!P:
s. + s2 -_ a2 + 314
25 r
n. _
- 247
29
157
0 ( mr
)

[ 2] J.ltl!P: a 2 +I"' !80o ( )

[3] 1fJfAl'fJftA1-J: 25x 2 - 314x - 21096 = Oo ()

246 [4 J 1fJfAl'fJftJ:tJ;;: 25x4 - 8686x2 + 732384 = O o ()

[]
+;ff;;t!Il, 11)!!1-Jk:o IIJ.f-#<.M.#1*-o ..=..Jk:if1-t:ft,1f247f{?ffeo Jt-f-:
;;t!I1i!L**OOII1J!J*,1WffeoM: 001l1J!J*, *!I1ilL*$
:h j j?
$-: Ill !I1 Jl] * 36 ffe' ;;t !I1 ilL* 12 ffe O

;K: iiJL-}Jll)!I1Jl]*, i,A*'1*ik*-Jt. ,1.f.f1J-21096:h'tlt 0

1ffi. -314 :h-*-1ffi ia. 2s :hill iii ;J::. i . -Jt-t *, ..tlJ ml \l1 J!J
*0 5l: iiJL-:)];;troi!L*, i,A*'7;f.R;;ti!-*-Jt.Wf.o .f1J732384
:h.-s6s6:h-=-*-ta.:h*-ta.-Jt*-**
.f1J ;;t ro ilL * o "*"P}f toJ o
 CD c....
g[
2. The sum of the areas of a circular and a square farm is 247 fil bu.[ 1 l It is
(D

a
t::=i

said that the area of the square farm increased by the circumference of the Q.
-:::r
(D
circular is 180 btl 2 J. Find the circumference of the circular farm and a side of ,,
0
c:
the square.

Ans. Circumference of the circular, 36 bu;

side of the square, 12 bu.

Process. Let.the element tian be the circumference of the circular farm.

From the statement we have 21096 for the negative shi, 314 for the nega-

tive fang, and 25 for the positive yu, a quadratic expression [ 3 l whose root

is the required circumference. Again let the element tian be a side of the

square farm. From the statement we have 732384 for the positive shi, 8686

for the negative upper Lian and 25 for the positive yu, a biquadratic expres

sion l 4 l whose root is the required side of the square.

247

[ Notes J

[ I ] Hui 's value ( of 'TT ) is taken, namely, 'TT = 5 . Then, S2 = /2. That is,
3
S I + S2 = a2 + F = 247 29 . ( G )
314 157
[ 2 ] That is, a2 + I = 180. ( G )

[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 25x2 - 314x - 21096 = 0.

( c)

[ 4 J The expression in modem form is the equation: 25x4 - 8686x2 + 732384 = 0.

( c)
 3.
[ m{)t ]
4-fi1J, 11 ffi1}-3: o ffillJA*$ o 1f ffif,gml ffi}WJ, 11 EBfR1Jffiffif,
=fl#ffl.-sJL-rJLtf7--r-?ttf7Z- o [ I J ft L": Jlij-1fffif'
--=f.=.sJ\.- r lmtv'o [ 2) l'oJ: 1.fffif, *JLfiir?
8: !1-TAtv', nffif--r=tv-o
*8: 3tYG-1'JmHEJWJ, :tlom>1tzo 1f-{llm-=f1is--t---t7J--t=f
=-sj;.iI' )\. TJ\.1'JM1J' =+=n1"-=f1"-r1i1'JM...t,., J\.-t-J\.
JJ.iIIW, -*nffz, r 3 l 1fJWJo l'AJo

[ iff]
[ 1J $b'd!$: Jal 22 ,7 9W s2 = 887 12 Jltl!P:
7 l
(S 1 - l) + (S2 - a)= (a2 - /) + ( 12 - a)= 199 o ("5)
88 11

,, [ 2 J Jltl!P: 12 - a = 12840 < $)

,'

. ,:"

248
88x4 - 226065.r - 88.x + 14517 7200 = O o ( )

[]
\r1 , ml \r1 - Jk o 111 .f.*-..!&' .f. o \r1 mi ;fR JI;] ;A -i.- Ill \r1 J!J * , 11 \r1 iii
;fR P-1 A-i- \r1 UL * , .::. 1t--z tr, -ff 199 ff ;Jr o ,;; : 1M1 \r1 ftl * z "- ;A

-i.- \r] .ill*' '* 1284 -ffe lol : \r] .i!L*' Ill \r] JJJ *39 j '.).,?
O

$-: Ill \r1 %1 * 36 ffe , \r1 UL* 12 ffe o

;f.: if_kn:,-39m]\r1%J*, yj,;fR*,;j"<.Jl:.Nf ,1,-.flj 14517720039 0

.tt. -8839-ik.i\, -22606539.::.;k.i.tt, 8839Jft;k..l'.fli

A.*,IIJ\r1%J*o o
3. There are two farms, one circular and the other square . From the area of the

square farm take the circumference of the circular and add to this difference

the area of the circular minus a side of the square. The sum is 199 /1 bu.r I l It

is said that subtracting the side of the square farm from the square of the cir

cu1nference of the circular farm gives 1284 bu.r 2 l Find a side of the square

farm and the circumference of the circular, using the mi value of 'lT.

Ans. Circumference of the circular farm, 36 bu;

side of the square, 12 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the circumference of the circular farm.

From the statement we have 145177200 for the positive shi, 88 for the

negative fang, 226065 for the negative upper Lian, and 88 for the positive

yu, a biquadratic expression i 3 l whose root is the required circumference.

[Notes] 249

[ 1 J Mi value ( of ,,. ) is taken, namely, 1T = ;2 . Then, S2 = 7 P. That is.

88
( S1 - I) + ( S2 - a) = ( a2 - I) + ( P - a) = 199 1i'" . ( G )
8
[ 2 ] That is, 12 - a = 1284. ( G )

[ 3 ] The expression in modern form is the equation: 88.x" - 226065x2 - 88x +

1451 7 7 200 = 0. ( C)
 4.
[ fflt>:]
;{ff;j, !Ml ffi*- o IMIJ.A1ti!o IMl IEJJ01rE8lffir ...t, .:x.:nlE:hlllm E8
}IJ, _t, A+tv o[ I) ,_R: IMJ_fflj, Jiffilfflfl:i@l+J\_[i]o fa): !Ml
*
ml' 1riif JLfnJ?
B: =+A$, 1roo-+=$o
Jt(B: :{[:y;;_JC-'11MlrBJaJ, :!lll*Zo t=JJA-=f _sli+='1IE.
--=f-s=-t-;\.'11r. -+-'1iEIW, -:nJfz,r 3 1tlMIEBo #l'aJo

[jiff]
1
[ l ] J!tl'!P: ( S, + + a ) = ( a2 + I) - ( = 600 ( $15 )
I) - ( S2
12 r- + a )
[ 2] J!tl!P: I + a = 480 ( )
[3] 7f1ftfJJ31'.ft%A7h:
llx2 - ll28x + 26352 = Oo ( )

[ 4-1]
4--,1f l'fJ , ml l'fJ - o Ill ,f.#-;!;* mJ l'fJ dipfR/Ju L l'fJ i!L *,
-f L ;
*,
o

250 5l l'fJ ifpfR ;l;u L mJ l'fJ ftJ i,t,\ -k L , 1it 60-::Vo : mJ tfJ JJJ * tfJ i!L

**/Juo M: m)tfJJJJ*, tfJi!L*j?

: m}tfJ}J]*36, tfJU!.*12-::Vo
Jj(; il*-Jt.- ml tfJ ft}*, :J.;fR**-Jt.Wf- li1J 26352 't4t
0

, -1128 - ;k. 4t , 11 :qt iii ;k_ tffi .ft. , tt-f<- , l i1J 1M1 w ftJ
* o .ff Ji.If foJ o
5.
[ m{)t )
4-"*i:n' IMIEB-3:o IIJ.AM$e 1rEB;;fi*J?Ji!llMIE8fR, . 1JEBlJZ,
q liT )\a-t+-t$- Sn. +--t?t$z+ =o [I) ,R L: J3 E8 ffiiJl lMJ m
JIJ_Jtz-( 21 1aJ: nsroo, !MlmJWJ*JLfnI?
0
4. Subtract the sum of the area of a circular piece of land and a side of a square
piece of land from the sum of the area of the square piece of land and the
circumference of the circular. The remainder is 60 bu.r I l It is said that the
circumference of the circle added to a side of the square equals 48 bJ 2 l. Find
the circumference of the circle and a side of the square using the ancient value
of 1r.

Ans. Circumference of the circle, 36 bu;

side of the square, 12 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the circumference of the circle. From the
statement we have 26352 for the positive shi, 1128 for the negative fang,
and 11 for the positive yu, a quadratic expression ! 3 l whose root is the
required circumference.

[Notes]
[ I ] That is, ( S 1 + l) - ( S2 + a) = ( a2 + I) - ( i I'- + a) = 60. ( G) 251

[ 2 ] That is, I + a = 48. ( G )

( 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: l lx2 - I 128x + 26352 = 0.

( c)

5. From the area of a square farm subtract the area of a circular farm and multiply
the remainder by the area of the square farm. The result is 58771; bu.l 1 1 It is said
that a side of the square is one-third of the circumference of the circle r 21. Find a
side of the square and the circumference of the circle, using Hui' s value of 1r .
 ------
-
........ . -
....... ..

( ff l
[ 1 J ttf!P: ( s 1 - s2 ) s1 = C a2 -
2 5 P) a2 =
314
77 1617 n)
58 o (

[ 2] .dtl!P: a = lo ( )

[3 J 7fJJIY-JJJe1't%A:1g: 7 7
139 3.x-1 - 289 44128 = Oo ( )

(]
4- * w , 1M1 w - o lll .f-1t<.,y._ffi:*-o * w tr-Jiii fkl --!- 00 w tr-Jiii, .,t.
. V:J.*Wiiijft.i(., ff5877 1 ffeo : *Witl.*'*-f-ll)W)J]
*tr-Jo : *WU!.*, W)J]*j?

$ : * \!} Ul.* 12 ffe ' ml w %] * 36 ffe O

;if(: it.;;t-;h*WUl.*, 1-'A***-Jt.Mo 1fl1J -289744128

252
,t'9i, 13973 ;l]Jfti.k.'9! iM:, ffi.k.*, ,1-rfJ1j*Wtr-JU!.* 0 ff
,Jj" fa) O

6.
( 1*:>e ]

=ffl*,
4-tf,

oo , 11.1m
1cJ = tr
mi! EB- o IMlJ.AW.'$ 0

JL1iiJ?
1f;\. .::P;\. s.li
1J83l.Rt*JtfEBiffi, !Ml EBlllt*Jml [[I}jj,
+/,$c c 11 .H : tfiffi:::f.&.l!IDJal=+imtv [ 2 1 0

B: -+A$, 1ffffi-+=tvo
;:B: 3t:xJt-jgmJB3%.I, :tialll*Zo 1f;\.sn+--tn=-=f;,\s;\.1-J
M. li+1(JJ1\.s1JM.tr, JLJJ_-=f7\s=+=11JA..t.!I, im=r-t
sim+-1-JM"fffli, -t+-t1'JJA. -*trffz. [ 3 l 1i1Mlffl10 itfiiJo
 Ans. Side of the square, 12 bu;

circumference of the circle, 36 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be a side of the square. From the staternent

we have 289744128 for the negative shi and 13973 for the positive yu, a bi-

quadratic expression [ 3 l whose root is the required side.

[Notes]
5
( I ) That is, ( S I - s2 ) sl = ( - 5877 63 . ( G ) )
a2 - 21 r12 ) a2 _
3 4 157
[ 2 ) That is, a = I. ( G )

[ 3 ) The expression in modern form is the equation: 13973x" - 289744128 = 0. ( C )

253

6. The product of the difference between the area of a square and its side by

the difference between the area of a circle and its circumference is 8856 bu.l I l

It is said that a _side of the square is less than the circumference of the circle by

24 bu l 2 l. Find a side of the square and the circumference of the circle using

the mi value of ,r .

Ans. Circumference of the circle, 36 bu;

side of the square, 12 bu.


IZQ
[ jlff]
11 ) Jitf!P: ( SI - a) ( s2 - I) = ( a2 - a) ( ;
8
(2 - I) = 8856 0 ( n)
[ 2 J Jitf!P: I - a = 24 0 ( $15 )
[3 J ff:1fAB9JJiftAY-J:
77x4 - 474lx 3 + 93632x2 - 580800x - 8572608 = O o ( )

*
[ 4"]
l:fJ -.. II) l:fJ - Jk o llJ *#U,I,. * o l:fJ do p;J * *, IMJ l:fJ do
l:fJ ilL
;fR rJ:l iA-!- IMJ l:fJ %1 *, .R *:
.::.'*;tit*, 8856-ffe o l:fJ iiL * t.1111:fJ fol
*MffeoM: l:fJiiL* ... m*J9J?
: mi l:fJ *36 ffe :;t lf1 iiL 12 ffe *
*-=
O

it.k.it-59111:fJJJl*. fJ.-;11:1**--1t--Mo 1lJ1J-857260859'*

, -580800 ?9-;k..!Ji ;ft, 93632 )9.=...;k_>ji -tt. -4741 ;I:] 3-ik.
.1'.Jila, n;hA*-lA.a*-.mJl:fJJJl-icaMo

7.
[ Jii)t l
1f, ffill m-o 1fffil9.l*JmlffifR. , Ifill m*Z,
R =
oo.iio

254 1ims=-t=ffe O r 11 :JrlB..mJEtr:/Jo-, .lfl-;j7fz, lit!MI EB121i

ffeo
[2l
foJ: Jrjij, w.JJLfii.J?
B: =-tAffe, noo--t=ffeo
*B:-'7ffi@,toffl*ZoAs-='7.li
st+AJJ,lmW;+'7-.-W-+A= = -t
Mrfflf, -'7:iE, lm*1r1FZ, [3l1flMJIB10 1-J@JJliJo #l'A.lo =z,
[ jlff}
[1 1' lltl!P: ( S I - sl ) )( ; = ( a2 -
I
12) x = 4320 (ms)
[ 2] 11:t!!P: -/tkv+ t = So ( !)jS)
[ 3 1 ffnAB9JJ.iH-tAY-J:
x' - 20x4 + 136x3 - 480x2 + 516x - 6912 = Oa ( )
 Process. Let the element tian be the circumference of the circle. From the

statement we have 8572608 for the negative shi, 580800 for the negative

fang, 93632 for the positive upper Lian, 4741 for the negative lower Lian,

and 77 for the positive yu, a biquadratic expression l 3 l whose root is the c
"
::::,
::::,
required circumference.
::::,
(/)

[Notes)
[ I ] That is, ( S1 - a ) ( S2 - l) = ( a2 - a )( is P - I) = 8856. ( G )
( 2 ] That is, I - a = 24. ( G )

[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: 77x4 - 4741x3 + 93632x2 -

580800x - 8572608 = 0. ( C)

7. The product of the difference between the area of a square and a circular
farm by the diameter of the circular is 432 bu.[ J It is said that the square root
of the perimeter of the square farm increased by 1 is less than the diameter of
255
the circular by 5 bu .: 2 l Find a side of the square and the circumference of the
circle using the ancient value of 'TT.

Ans. Circumference of the circle, 36 bu;

side of the square, 12 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the diameter of the circular farm. From the
statement we have 6912 for the negative shi, 576 for the positive fang, 480
for the negative upper Lian, 136 for the positive second Lian, 20 for the
negative lower Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression [ 3 J of the fifth
degree whose root is the required diameter. Th.is root multiplied by 3 gives
the circumference of the circle.
 [A,]
-1i" lfJ ', ml lfJ- Ill .f-#tJJ.. ii- o lfJ if, ::fR ,*]
0 * lffl lfJ if, ::fR ' $.-*-'"4t '
!ffllfJAaz. 432ffe o : lfJ*hl, ff.
tt00lfJAa5ffeo = lfJ*' ll!lfJ*hj?
: mi lfJ * 36 ffe' lfJ * 12 -ffe O

;f.: iiJL- Ji IIJ lfJ .1i.1.i, v::,, o::fR**-Jt.Wfo -fl.ftl -6912JJ 'f 4t.1ffi,
576 Ji - ,k. .1ffi R,. 4t, -480 Ji ..=... ;k_ .1ffi i 4t, 136 Ji .::.. ;k_ i 4t, -20 Ji
l?!l ;k_ .1ffi , I Ji lli ;k .1ffi ' ff ,k , 1-- .f1J 11 \r1 _1i.A.i O YA 3 *
Z , ,1.ff flj ml lfJ * O ,if Jr)f fo] O

8.
[ )t]
4-1r, [Ml EE-o mlM.li*" 1rEBffll*Jlfill EB '.5tz=, flr _t;
lfil!EBfflto1rrnoo=*z-.1:.-+-sli+'.5tz-s=
-t-1\. 0 c 11 ..R L": #1rffil, IM!f.D1Jfil, =1JM1r, =j;JA_,., -1JJA,
JL1Jff Z, {fflQJi EEW*o c 21 lcJ: ffiil,fflJ, 1iffiJLfoJ?
256 B: ,fflJ +R$, 1Iffi-+=$o
#8:JL*-*n,nffl*o-]5-Ef;\.+;\.:h.
T J\.B /\.+im.:'.*JJAn' -:nims/\. +J\.:1g}A_ttwt. ==f+=:hM=
=-s=+:n::1gJA=L1. irns:n+:hrll. -t-li1JM, :n:
1rffz, [ 3 1 {iff1rfl-vo irnz, l!P1rEHffio ii"l'iiJo

[ ltff]
[ l ] .lltf!P ( SI _ J... I) - ( S2 + ..l a) = ( a2 -1. I) - ( 25 f2 + _I a) =
3 2 3 3}4 2
10
128

la
157 0 ( :n)
[ 2] Jltf!P: w = o ;l1ti:j:t wff1.fj\.x3 + 3.r - 2x - ( a + l) = 0 B9o ( )
[ 3 ] ff1fj\(l{JJJA'.ft%j\:
-75x6 - 450.x5 + 225x4 + 2072x3 + 10488.x2 + 1884x - 10188 = Oo ( )
[Notes]
[ l ] That is, ( S1 1 = ( a2 - _I_ 12 ) x I = 432. ( G)
S,- ) x
-
3 12 3
[ 2] That is, - /4a + I = 5. ( G )
[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation:r - 20x4 + 136.rl - 480x2 +
c
s
:::::,
516x - 6912 = 0. (C)
i
:::::,
en

8. From the difference between the area of a square farm and two-thirds of the
circumference of a circular subtract the sum of the area of the circular and
one-half of a side of the square. The remainder is 10 bu.r ' : It is said that
by caking the sum of a side of the square farm and the circumference of the
circular for the negative shi, 2 for the negative fang, 3 for the positive Lian,
and 1 for the positive yu, we have a cubic expression whose root is equal to
257
the weak-half of a side of the square.f l Find a side of the square and the
2

circumference of the circle using Hui' s value ( of 'TT ).

Ans. Circumference of the circle, 36 bu;
side of the square, 12 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the root of the given expression. From the
statement we have 10188 for the negative shi, 1884 for the positive fang,
10488 for the positive upper Lian, 2072 for the positive second Lian, 225 for
the positive third lian, 450 for the negative lower Lian, and 75 for the nega
tive yu, an expression l 3 1 of the sixth degree whose root is 3. This root

multiplied by 4 gives a side of the square.

 []
4' * tr1 , mJ tr1 - .J,k: o llJ **M.ffi>to * tr1 tlJ iiJ ;fR r*J i,t\ .:i;- lffl tr1 JJ1 * tlJ ,
$ft i" J:. ; !Ml tr1 tlJ iii ;fY- J:. * tr1 lll. * tlJ ' -:!- J:. ' 10 :; ffe
: * tr1 lll.* !::j !Ml lJJ %] **# jlJ *-, -2 # h - ,k 19i ., 3 # h
O

..::.19t-. 11thA19tft. ** -f*tr1lll.*al.Jlo

1oJ : 00 ro JJJ * , * ro lll. * h J '.Ji ?
$: r.m ro JJJ * 36 ffe , * ro lll. * 12 ffe o

;f..: iiJG- h **ft, y:J.-Jti,;fY-* **-$o 1l.ftl -10188 h '*'ft19t,

1884 h- ,k 19t -a, 10488 h ..::. ,k 19t -tt, 2012 h ..::.. ,k 19t ft, 22s
;};T!!lik ft. -4soh.li-ik19t . -1s;};)ll.ik a. **ik*,
ltl**A..::..ffeo m*' k*ro*o #MMa

9.
[ Jffi)t ]
-6,;fijf, lMJ 83*-o i1JA\f$o lMJ EBfflpg:IJn= -i'IMI Efl}aj, -fi1JEBffl,
258 ;x1rmmto1'1rmoo.--mmffl.a;:n
EEiii:P**Z, .>Z.i:J!MJEEffl!:1\:frZ-*Z., 1ij=-=f-srmtvo l J f!.E:

1rmiii. rma1r. M.-. :nHz.,fflft.

+;\.*Z, !:j ml 83 ffll l 21 fllJ: :niii, lMl.m.l*JL,fiiJ?
o

B:1Jiii-+=. !MJm_+:1\o
*B:n-ff:nft,jOffl*Zo3--=f-Wli+=ft,li
+:Rft=.=+M--.-+nM-.Mn-.-
b\, 1\*JIHZ., [ 3] 1f=, ff:rJfto iflll]o

[ itff]
[I] lltllP:
[Notes]

[ l ) That is, ( SI _ .1:..1

3 .) ( S2 + a ) = ( a 2 - I) ( 25 p. +_!a)=
314 2
10 128 ( G)
157 .

[ 2 l That is. w= d a. w is a root of the equation x3 + 3x2 - 2x - ( a + I) = 0 ( G) c

. ::,

::,

[ 3 ]The expression in modem form is the equation:-75 - 450x + 225x4 + 2072x3 ::,
(/)

+ 10488x2 + 1884x - 10188 = 0. ( C)

-=
en =
nc
en=
:11:11 :11:11

en=
;; -<

c,
:z
.......:z
u,

9. Add to the area of a circular farm twice its circumference, then subtract the
area of a square farm. Set the result thus obtained aside. Add to the area of the
square farm 3 times its side and subtract the area of the circular. To this result
add the result set aside and multiply by the small-half of a side of the square 259

farm, then by one-sixth of the circumference of the circular. l'he product thus
obtained is 2304 bu. 1 l It is said that if we put a side of the square farm for the
negative shi, 4 for the negative fang, 3 for the positive Lian, and 1 for the
positive yu, the root of this cubic expression multiplied by 18 will equal the
circumference of the circular farm.[ 2 l Find a side of the square and the cir
cumference of the circle using mi value ( of 1r ).
Ans. Side of the square, 12 bu;
circumference of the circle, 36 bu.
Process. Let the element tiarz be the root of the given expression. From the


J x 1 x l I
[( S2 + 21 - S 1 ) + ( S 1 + 3a - S2 ) 3
a
6
= [ ( 7 12 + 21 - a2 ) +

la
88
( a2 + 3a - 12 ) ] x x I = 2304 0 ( !115 )
8
[ 2] Jltl!P: 18w = lo Jt'f' w :J!ff1fj\'.; w3 + 3w2 - 4w - a = 0 tr.J.m 0 ( "5)

[3J 7f :1Jj\'.;W1lJiHt:r.t:1-J:
x7 + 6x6 + 19x5 + 30.x" - 56x3 - 1152 = O o ( )

[ 4-]
4--;lrw' mi w -3--Jk:o Ill .!f.-lRM.\i?.!f. o IMl w 1ir.fR;IJu !Ml w ft] 2-m-. iA w
,ar; w;1Juw*3%,1Mlw,
a;IJur* w.il!.*1. wftl*J,
2304 ffe o =
w 1t 79 * -4 tt 79 - ;t.. i a, 31t 79 =-- ;t..
*
.61 ,

i ,it , 1 11 79 Jj'i. j;j ;k_ JJi i 4t , -fr iL , rA 18 .Jt. il.l , r IMJ If1 %] o f0l : *
If1 .il!. *,00 If1 ft1 *-3- Ji 1 1?
$: lIJ .it!.* 12 ffe' ml w ft]*- 36-;- 0

;.i(: iR...it-39-Jra. v.J.:f7-*.t<.-1t-M o 1-it1J-11s25lJ'f,it.1Ji,

260
-s6 39 .E..ik. i,it., 30 39 ,t..l'.Ji i,it., 19 5lJ ..n..>t.. ia, 6 39 * ;t..
i4t, 15lJJi'i.i4t, -fr. 2-;-, ;lJ-Jr4to ffl
 statement we have 1152 for the negative shi, 56 for the negative second

lian, 30 for the positive third lian, 19 for the positive fourth Lian, 6 for the

positive fifth Lian, and I for the positive yu, an expression l 31 of the sev-

enth degree whose root, 2 bu, is the required root.

[Notes]
1
-=
C":>==
,:a :a
[l]That is, [(S2 +2L-S,) + (S1 +3a -S2 )] x l a x 1== en
c=; -=
,:a
3 6 en :a
2/ - a ) + ( a + 3a -
2 2 7
88 L2 ) ] x
I
3a x
I
6I = 2304. ( G ) en=
C":>
:I:
[ 2 ] That is, J 8w = l. w is a root of the equation w3 + 3w2
....
- 4w - a = 0. ( G ) :z
[ 3] The expression in modem form is the equation: x7 + 6.x6 + 19.x5 + 30x4 - 56x3 ....
en

- 1152 = 0. ( C )

261
 5
sp 1
[ Jfi)t J
3JZ!mfJ{Jm+n=a-+Jm:5tz:vz-=a-i-Jt) I Jo lcJ: J-JltlmftaJL
fiiJ?
B: -=+n.z:v o

-*B: -Jl.*.7G-1'J[ffl}aj, jO:;i(Zo 1f-li1i::P7\s-=+1i.J-J:fid,

-=+1iMIW, -:1iHZ o [Z] ftfiiJ o

[jiff]
[ l A' .ittl!P: s = 314
J VJJfll'fJIMJJli3$ 'IT = 157 25 12 = 49 239 o ( flS)
50 314
[ 2] :Jf1IAl'fJlJ.lHtmA: 25x2 - 15625 = Oo ( )

[ \]
4,tf !Ml if] {r-J mi ;fR 49 i! ffe O liiJ : y:J. ,ti. .f. it x. ' mi jEJ j -?
$: 25 -ffe
262
*
O

= ii. *--3t.- n r:i. -* it x. <r-J mJ JJJ r:i. -:ht ;f.?- .,t<. Jt. Wf o 1-lf Jtl - 15625
na. n-. . ldo o
2.
l ffi:x l
fflim+Jt _s-+im*z=s+1Lo :
fiiJ?
B:z:v-s1i+z-s1i+-a
*s=*-J-J@,jaffl*Zo3-s1i.+7\li-=fEsA
, -=nl!Ff7\slm+1L1'JM, JJZ-1ftfZo [ 11 , t:JJiltjAJf**
:;i(zo itfoJ o
 San Lii Jiu Yuan ( Reckoning Circles
with the ''Three Values of 'ff '' )
14 Problems

1. The area of a circle is 49 i! ( square ) bu [ 1 l. Find the circumference

using Hui' s value of 'TT

Ans. 25 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the circumference. From the statement we
have 15625 for the negative shi, and 25 for the positive yu, a quadratic
expression r 2 J whose root is the required circumference.

[Notes]
[1 J Use Liu Hui' s value of ,r to calculate, namely 1r = ; . That is, S = f
3
239
= 49 314. ( G)
( 2 J The expression in modern form is the equation: 25x2 - 15625 = 0. ( C)
263

2. The area of a circle is 49 : ( square ) bu. Find the diameter using Hui' s
value of 'TT
151
Ans. 1157 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the required diameter. From the statement
we have 1562500 for the negative shi, and 24649 for the positive yu, a
quadratic expression l J whose root, a mixed number, is the required
diameter. Obtain the integral part of the root by the usual method. For

Im
[ ji:ff]
[ I ] jf 1JJttf9J1.{t:it:1-J: 24649.x2 - 1562500 = 0 0 ( !* )

[]
4'-;lf fll irJ l'i/;f.R 49
151
ii!
!Vo liiJ: YA .f.if .n., fll 59 j :}'?
$.: 7157 ffe O

: i9.:*-.-59 .... #.lll&, **-0

-1562500}9-f, 2464959:ifl;k-. -Jrf*o -Jr*-1', #-

-*-o Mo

3.
[ )(]
-if-lM)fJUm+.litv-+-*tvzJL r I
Jo IJJJ: 11*1Ml.m:IJLM?
El: =+lmivo
*El:*-femlMl.m:1,ffl*zoffl.liW+1J.-1J
264 . JJl-JI3fZ o [Z] '8"1PJ o

[>ff]
[I] IMJJ!J$1r = ;2 A;Jf:, !ltf!P: S = !2 = 45
1
o ()
8
[2 J tf1Jittf9JJ,{Ht:r.t:1-J: x2 - 576 = Oo ( )

[]
4'-;ij" fll lrJ l'i/ 45 i ffe o liiJ : vA 2'-it .J., II) ft] 59 j '.),?
l
$.: 24 ffe O
: i9.:*-.-59 vJ.*it X- lllJJJ, vJ.***Jl:.Mo -ffJtl -576
59-a. 139:ill*-la, -Jt-t*. Jtllllftlo Mo
 obtaining the fractional part apply the Lian zhi tong ti method.

[Notes]
[ 1 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 24649x2 - 1562500 = 0. ( C )

3. The area of a circle is 45

f1
(square) bu l 1 l. Find the circumference using

the mi value .of 'IT

Ans. 24 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the circumference. From the statement we

have 576 for the negative shi, and 1 for the positive yu , a quadratic expres- 265
sion [ 2 l whose root is the required circumference.

[Notes]
9
[ I ] Use = 22 for the calculation, then S =_]___ 12 5 (
88 = 4 1 1 . G )
'TT
7
[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x2 - 576 = 0. ( C )
 4.
[ Jm)t l
A,m+li$-+-$Zto : :t,m@W?
B: -t;$-+-5t$Zto
*B=*-:t,-@.ioffl*Zotli+:t,A.-=
+-:tJMIW, 1fl-:nJfz,l 1 J 1ittvo . *z**Zo -ftlgjo

[ itff l
[ I ] ff1Jj.\';(r,J!JAH-t.:a:: l2lx2 - 7056 ;::: O o ( )

[ 4- l
i
/..}'" 111 "' tJ tfJ ;f,R 45 t -ffe O
7.Jtr
*
1;;J : f.{ !8f it Jf:. ' tm -f 59 j :., ?
7u.:Yo

0:

'*-: i.tJt- 59 YA !8f-*if Jf-1] IMJ, l-'Ajo;f.R;ti!-,;fc_Jt.Wf- 0 J -7056

59 '*" ' 121 59 lll jilj ;k_ if,., .;f-f-::t' f J1J7-, 0 -,t;t '
J!fli!-,;fc.Jt. o 1<fP)f l;i} o
266

5.
[ Jm)t l
A,-Sr!Mlffl}L a t+=R [ 11 fllJ: :tJti-Srmiltfi'iJ'?
0

B: -3'::=Ro
*B:*-:t,ti@.toffl*Zoffl-HliEffli+=
, :tLMIW, 1Jff-Z, 1t-3'::=Ra l 2 J -ftfoJo

[ - l
[I] ic.1l.!MJ(r,J.f*, ][:5}-ilj V, d, Jlj(1T = 3, {JLiJJt:-*) ff{Jff.tr.lMI*
9
:: V =l6d3o ()
 llJ '-
8
4. The area of a circle is 45 i7 (square) bu. Find the diameter using the mi
(1)

1 s:;
a
value of '1T a
7 ;:r
Ans. 7
11 bu.
'TI
0
c:
Process. Let the element tian be the diameter. From the statement we have
7056 for the negative shi, and 121 for the positive yu, a quadratic expres
sion I 1 1 whose root, a mixed number, is the required diameter. Obtain the
integral part of the root by the usual method. For obtaining the fractional
part apply the zhi fen method.

[Notes]
[ 1 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: l 2 lx2 - 7056 = 0. ( C )

267

5. The volume of a sphere is 972 (cubic) chi[ 1 l. Find the diameter using the
ancient value of 1T .

Ans. 1 zhang 2 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the diameter of the given sphere. From the
statement we have 15552 for the negative shi, and 9 for the positive yu, a
cubic expression r 2 l whose root, 1 zhang 2 chi, is the required diameter.

[Notes]
[ 1 ) Let the volume of the sphere be V, and the diameter d, and use 3 for '1T Ac-
 ; (if]
+n2Ka M: *** OOA&J?
: 1 :k. 2 K .,
=-***Aa. **o*
-15552-ftt_.tjq, .9ik.ik.>fltif._.ft, -Jt .fl.itl 1 :k.2K c .ff
Ji)f 1"1 0

6.
l Jffix 1
=
4-:;yf 31. IMJ fRfL a--t + R. [ 1 1 roJ : :.iri!t 31. r.m .ffll JL fiiJ?
o

* B: .ll.Jicx.-1'J"i!i".ll.lMJJ!J, 3{1lfR*Zo .!Jll9JJ7'T7'Sli +7'1'J

. -19.IE. 31.--Jrffz. i-3t7'R.o (Z] -frfoJo

268 [ itff]
[ 1 J ic}t!MJa<JJi.1*111. }lj{,r = 3, m <n*> 89:ff.ftlMl*m=
1 13 (!)JS)
V = _.2._ d3 =-
16 48
[2] ff1J:r.ta<Jft%j.\jJ: x3 - 46656 = 00 ( )

[if]
+n2Ko : *** *f?
$: 3 :J:.. 6 K o
:-***. **o *
-46656 '*" tt.tjq , l J1l ik. .1jlt if.. .ft, -Jt , 1l .i1J 3 :J:.. 6 Ko .ff
Ji}f 1"1 0
 cording to the Ii yuan method in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures,

V= 9 tP. (G)
16
[ 2] The expression in modem form is the equation: 9x2 - 15552 = 0. ( C)

c
::::,

::::,

::::,
rn

6. The volume of a sphere is 972 ( cubic ) chi l I l. Find the circumference

using the ancient value of 1r.

Ans. 3 zhang 6 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the circumference of the given sphere.

From the statement we have 46656 for the negative shi, and l for the posi-

tive yu, a cubic expression l 2 l whose root, 3 zhang 6 chi, is the required 269
circumference.

[Notes)

[ I J Let the circumference of the sphere be l, and use 3 for ,r . According to the kai

li yuan method in The Nine Chapters of Mathematical Procedures, V = d3 = /3 .

1 4
( G)

[ 2] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 - 46656 = 0. ( C)

 7.
[ JffiJt ]
4--JI.!MlfRJLa=+1\..R.-a1i+--t5t.R.z-simi 1
10 1cJ: ::!*Jtt-JI.IMI
JL-fiiJ?
r.:, B
+-J;:I 0
_-..A--J'

#B: 'Jrjc7e-::!*J-JI.Uffi1, :llfR>l<Zo 14--=f-ts= + J\.:f},

-::!*Ji, 'JI.1.fff-Z [Z] lcJ o
o

[)!ff]
[I] EE NE, *t1t*1'JXJJlttl{J3*i*lR0H: v = ;; d3, 1PJffl o
}J.I! {fL:llf:fl:*t-E> i:pXJjl'*3*i*fJlfoJI!, mi "j,:J;;" 0 ( )
[ 2] ff1I.ittl{Jftm1-J: x3 - 1728 = Oo ( )

104
1*-6?1:f.;f?- 928 157 J{_o Jo): v).ft*-it ,K., 1*-a!J JLa5'J j '..?'?
$: 1.:l:.2.J{_ o
270
*-:-h*-"?e!JAa, ***-o ltl

- 1728 h '* '.9i , 1 ;li it. ;x_ '.9i i , -Jt- ii..* o .ff-*- foJj- roJ o

8.
[ miJt]
.1L.mlJLEf _:___+;\.R.-Efli+-t5t.R.z-Ef P!lo loJ: 1-J.1L.!Mlffl.lJL
{iiJ?

#B:'JI.7e-::!*Jlt.ll.M.fR>l<Zolm**a1i+*'1
' -:fJiE, .ll.1.fff,[I) 1f-X7'.R.o lcJo
7. The volume of a sphere is 928 ( cubic )chi[ 1 l. Find the diameter using

Hui ' s value of '1T

Ans. l zhang 2 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the diameter of the given sphere. From the

statement we have 1728 for the negative shi, and I for the positive yu, a

cubic expression r 2 J whose root is the required diameter.

[Notes]

[ l ] From the statement we know that Zhu Shijie considered Liu Hui 's formula of
1350
the volume of a sphere V = <I'. We do not know why he considered so. According to
2512
the existent Commentary of "The Nine Chapters ofMathematical Procedures", Liu did

not completely solve the problem of the volume of a sphere.And Liu pointed out that they

must wait for the person who could solve it ( yi si neng yan zhe ). ( G )

[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 - 1728 = 0. ( C ) 271

8. The volume of a sphere is 928 ! (cubic) chi. Find the circumference

using I-lui' s value (of '1T ).

Ans. 3 zhang 6 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the circumference of the given sphere.

From the statement we have 46656 for the negative shi, and I for the posi-

tive yu, a cubic expression l I l whose root is the required diameter.

 [ jiff l
[ I ] 3f :1Jj\'.;a<JJJ,cftj\:1g: x3 - 46656 = 0 0 ( I*)

[ 4- l
104
4-*J4tl?-928157 X.o loJ: flt'*-it.J., J4tJ!l1c;9J:}'?
$-: 3j:_6J{_ o
*-=-;9*-#14t* **-0

-46656 ;9-f.ft>fli, 1 ;9:ijl;k>fli f.ft, -Jt .ft., 1l3 6X. o #-Jtlf

9.
l mix l
4'-3t!MlfflJts .=.+--tR-+-?t Rzn c 11 0
loJ: 1-1*1LIMlJL1iiJ?.
B . - A-J
s=1
-.+- - (:;:)
"-. o

*B:1L.*-1'J@1L.@,taffl*Zo=+=fin+.=.
'I
1g. -a1\.+1L.tJ1A . l itlol .fl.Jf:ffZ.0
[ 2
o
;
... --?"'.

272
[ jiff l
[ I ] JJ,cf { JL.jf*tl:} 9l*7'J5<1.* 1r = ; ttl a<JJ:j(f*j\)! V =
2

: <Po JltfoJit;ffo *)tlfla<JlAIW 189 = 9 x 21, %j\a<J1tifJ: !:a.J.1zJ?IDa<J?tr

;t_o ( ;J5)

[ 2] ff/Jj\a<JJJlH"tA1J: I89x3 - 326592 = Oo (I*)

[ 4-]
4'-;l,f.ql{r!J;fR 927191 R.. 0 fa): y.,{-f.#.J., .J4lJi.1;9 J :}'?
$: 1 2 X.o
*-:-;9#14tAa. ;fR**Mo ff
-326592 ;9 '$" .ft >fli , 189 ;9 it ik .ft, -Jt .ft. o #- Jt)f 11 o

[ Notes l
il
1::::1

[ 1 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 - 46656 = 0. (C) -

...,

9. The volume of a sphere is 92 9 ( cubic ) chi I l. Find the diameter using

7 1 1
the mi value of 'IT

Ans. 1 zhang 2 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the diameter of the given sphere. From the

statement we have 326592 for the negative shi, and 8

1 9 for the positive yu,

a cubic expression C 2 J whose root is the required diameter. 273

[ Notes l

[ 1 ] According to the extant Li Chunfeng 's Commentary of"The Nine Chapters of

Mathematical Procedures", the formula of a sphere given by Li Chunfeng is V = .!.!.. tP by

21
using 'TT = 22 . There is a mistake in the problem. The positive yu 189 = 9 x 21 is the
7
product of the denominator of the formula and the numerator of the volume of the sphere.

( G)

[ 2] The expression in modem form is the equation: 189x3 - 326592 ::: 0. ( C)

 10.
[ Jm)t ]
ftW=+R.-+-%R.Zfto :19m-AfnJ?
B: -X"R.R o
*B:-19-.*Zo"R"RWE+AA
. -19iEl!ffl. 1fffz,l 11 l-X"RR.o ifl'iJJo

[}!ff]
[l ] Jf1frt:1JJmftA;kJ: x3 - 46656 = Oo ( )

[]
l.jl :fR 9
9
4- (r-J {f. 27 1 1 .R._ 0 loJ : f}, -* it x. ' l.jl {r-J fa] * }J '.}'?
$: 36.R._o
=-tt$<r-Jl.il<r-J* :fR*-0

-46656 'f4t'1i ' 1 lTl it; ik '1i 4t' -tt j1.. ' 4l f1J 3 6 .R._ ,ff 0

.P}f loJ O

274
11.
[ Jffl)t ]
3--=sR+li.R [ Jo l'aJ: 112-JfffiJLfnJ?
I

B:. -+"RR.-+-%R.z= o
*B:-112-1rffi.m*Zo=W"R+liA.-19iE
. 1JZ1ffFZ o[ Z] ,@., iftr7to l 3 l iffoJo

[}!ff]
[ 1J J.lt3f-.ffi3JZ-1f o RP: a 2 = 2650 ( )

[ 2] Jf1iAl1$fti-tj;: x2 - 265 = Oo ( )

[3J ;:j(:!mlt$?t I6JE, Jt-fflJf:1f5:tx2 - 32x - 9 = Oo M:xiJ <n;,J

10. The volume of a sphere is 927 ; ( cubic ) chi. Find the circumference
1
using the mi value of 1T.

Ans. 3 zhang 6 chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the diameter of the given sphere. From c
:::::,
;II("
:::::,

the statement we have 46656 for the negative shi, and 1 for the positive yu,
en
a cubic expression ( 1 l whose root is the required circumference.

[Notes]

[ l ] The expression in modem fonn is the equation: x3 - 46656 = 0. ( C )

l' '

,<'.'."" -

11. Find a side of the square whose area is 26 ( square ) chi r I l.

275

Ans. 16 i3 chi.
1
Process. Let the element tian be a side of the square. From the statement

we have 265 for the negative shi, and 1 for the positive yu, a quadratic

expression ( 2 l whose root, a mixed number, is the required side ( 3 l_

[Notes J

[ 1 J The ping mi refers to the square of a side. That is, a2 = 265. ( G)

[ 2 ) The expression in modem fonn is the equation: x2 - 265 = 0. ( C )


Im
-*It> ic. Jt:Stfrm:St "V,J.ffi1J::bn?'!ffii-atr:St" >J<f: 32: 1 = f3 f1
j .lit :l tl{J{5lJgJlifpJffi o ;l!t;VJ.:turf1Jj.\:>Jti:
= o c ,is)

1 0 -265 ( 16
16 256
16 9
16

32
1
33
fJlt, 16 J3 # 16 .3 '-7:ifrftJ.ffio ( )
1

[]
4-- -t diJ dirfR 265 ..R.. o 1aJ : Jt. j:_ A J1..;tM , Jt. ill.* ;i9 _i '..)t ?
$: 16 131 ..R..o

:-;i9.J1..;t-Jfjill*, **-o j-U5;;9.

*. 1;;9a*i. -t;to *. *
276 0 .rf '*" Ji}j" Ja] 0

12.
[ Jm)t]
nOO-+*R-+-#RZo :?
El: =a*+liRo
*El:--.ffl*Zoffl =*+liA.-a
=+-1JM:Jr, _t., rim- o 2
[iJ il-l'oJ ( 10

[ff]
[ 1] ff:1fj.\'.;tf{J1"t:r-\:'-.7: 12lx - 32065 = Oo ( )
 [ 3 ] After extracting the integral p art of the root 16, the jian gen equation is x2 -

32x - 9 = 0. Accor ding to Liu Hui' s Commentary of "The Nine Chapters of Math-

ematical Procedures", the fractional part can be solved by yijie suanjia ding fa er ming

fen, that is,

32
9
+
1
iJ = { . ( G) The result gi ven here is only the approximate
1
c
::::,

::::,

value. It is found in the following manner: ::,

(/)

1 0 -265 ( 16

16 256

16 9

16
---
32

33

Therefore 16 iJ or 16 1 is the approximate root. ( c)

277

12. A side of a square is 16 / chi. Find the area.

1
Ans. 265 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be the area of the given square. From the
statement we have 32065 for the negative shi, and 121 for the positive
fang, a linear expression ! 1 l whose root is the required area r 2 l.

[ Notes J
[ 1 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: l2Ix - 32065 = 0. ( C )
 [ 2 J Jlt5u:ill895'd.:hili{P-lffio Jt:.trrF:n>J<-tl:
16 x 11 = 176, 30976, 2 x 16 + 1 = 3,
( 176 ) 2 =
11
3 x 3 x 1 21 = 1089, 1089 + 30976 = 2 65 0 ( )
121

[ 4-)
4- iE :1rJ <r-J - UL* 59 16 _]__
11
X. o 1oJ : Jt iE -Jf) <r-J iiJ ;fP- 59 J '.!,-?
$: 265 JZ 0
}j(: i9.:.JL- 59 if.:1r; <r-J iiJ;f?-, YA ;f?- * 4lJt.fff.o f .f -32065, ft

59:ft, 121 ft59' Zo .rfJi)floJo

13.
[ 1*3t )
liN-t+R.o :OOAM?
B: J\.R.-tJtR.z= o
*B=*-oo.m*zo3liN-t+.-
, ffZo (I] 7G, ifirJt o '*Ill] [ Jo
2

278 [ff)
[I J 7f:1ftf9JJ.l!ft: x3 - 574 = 00 ( )
[2 J lit ll 89ilifi;,tffio Jt:.lnT:nA>.i<:-tfl:
1 0 0 -574 ( 8
8
-
64 512
8 64 6 2
8 12 8
16 192
8 24

24 1
217
6
Jlt, 8 21 ; * 8 .:h1'r>.l<:1fili{i;.tmo ( )
 O

gi fir
a.
(I)
( 2 ] The result given here is only the approximate value. It is found in the
1:::1 s;
following manner: a
2 x 16 + I s.
J6x 11=176, (176) =30976,2
=3 g.
II
3 x 3 x 121 = 1089, 1089 + 30976 = 265. ( C) "TI
0
121 ....
c:
c
:,
'7','
:,
0

(J)

13. The volume of a cube is 574 (cubic) chi. Find an edge.

Ans. 8 chi.
Process. Let the element tian be an edge of the given cube. From the state
ment we have 574 for the negative shi, and 1 for the positive fang, a cubic
expression [ 1 l whose root, a mixed number, is the required edge [ 2 l.

[Notes]
[ I ] The expression in modern form is the equation: x3 - 574 ::::: 0. ( C )
279
[ 2) The result given is only the approximate value. It is found in the following
manner:
I 0 0 -574 ( 8
8 64 512
8 64 62
8 128
16 192
8 24 '

24 1
217
Therefore, 8 62 or 8 .l. is the approximate root. ( C )
217 7
 [ 4-]
;;tf;f;;574 0 =*:t.*f?
$: 8 o

;i(; iJ(.- :t.iZL *, v;l.-Jio;f;;:t$!-*-Wf- o .ff.f1J -574 'f

,1.:to:t' $!-4t
O ,ff fo}f loJ O

14.
[ mi3t ]
4- 1fiffi;\.R.--t5t Rz=o l'iil: 1J1l:.JLfJ?
B: 3i-Ff-t+l7.YRo
*B: Jf..7(-;c-1]JI..., afJt;;Jtzo t-+1LJJf-;\. Ef /\. + =11iE
. _wim+=j;JM1f, . :n:ffzc r,i itfaJ r 2 io

[ -]
[I] ff1f:i-t(r,JJmft%i-t1J: -343x + 196882 = O ( )
[2 J JltlJ/bB9*f3l1Jiliffio Jt*Afffi1frt:rrF:
280 73 = 343' 'JJ1f"
( 8 x 7 ) 3 = 175616, 8 x 3 = 24, 24 x 8 = 192.
192 + 24 + I = 217. 217 = 31. 2 x 31 = 62 . 62 x 343 = 21266,
7
21266 + 175616 = 196882, 1Jo

196882 = 574 0 ( )
343

[ 4-]
;;tf:t*80 : :t;f;;j?
$: 5740
;,!(: if}(.- :t;f;;, v:I.-:!(o;f;;;t **-JtWf- c .ff.f1j )96882
'f4t, -343-;J:_,:gi 4t, i;;tf;J:..tffl . .jt, f:t o .r.fJiJff"lc
 c
::,
:,,:
::,

::,
(/)

14. The side of a cube is 8 chi. Find the volume.

Ans. 574 (cubic) chi.

Process. Let the element tian be the volume of the given cube. From the
==
n c
-m
-=
en ,.
statement we have 196882 for the positive shi, and 343 for the negative
n -<
enc ...n
-....
:IC

...
fang, a linear expression r 11
whose root is the required volume r 2 l. z:
en

[Notes]

[ I ] The expression in modern form is the equation: -343x + 196882 = 0. ( C )

[ 2 J The result given is only the approximate value. ll is found in the following 281

manner:

73 = 343, for the fang.

( 8 x 7 ) 3 = 1 75616, 8 x 3 = 24, 24 x 8 = 192,

192 + 24 + 1 = 217, 217 = 31,2 x 31 = 62,62 x 343 = 21266,

7
21266 + 175616 = 196882, for the shi.
196882 = 574. ( C)
343


1
[ m{)t ]
1IlJ{-+-=tv-11jo RL"5!f1:IJ\.zv-l21o fi:iJ: JN:ticJLM?
B: -tv"o

*B: .ll.::Rn-1-1. "!{ll.fR>-Jtz, lt-=+ __ jJ.if. -=+;\.1'JMJJ,

ll97-JM.!t, -7-1JA, }LJf:lfZ o [ 3 1 il-foJ o

[ - l
[ 1] ic.1rfJHttlJ, *:5tIJ1:,a, b, Jlt.RP: ab = 12 0 ( )
[ 2 ] :m-1Iffl(r,Jj, i JtIJ-fff'F1:J JJ9:*(y.J1:J , HQ:, Jiltl:affl(r,J5(;jjfj tti.t:ll:i:, lit HP
a + c = 80 ( )
[ 3 ] :Jf'1f'A'.;fi{JJl]1't*A1:7: x3 + 4x2 - 28x + 23 = Oo ( !*)

[ 4- l
*-}j-12ffeo 7'J8ffeo M: j.;j?
282
$.: 1 ffeo
;!(; iij(,-j.;R, y:J.o;f:,R-}j-*>"flJt- 0 1.rj-Jrj 23ff:h'$"'Yi,
-2sff:h - ;k >Ji .. , 4 ff :h =- >k 1m H-. , 1 ff:h lli. >k.. , -Jt- ;ft_
7j" 0 #- Ji)j- Ja] 0

2.
[ Jm)t l
fJ"1ilJl-t -=tt- 0 ,R L"5f1:JJ\.$ 0 fi:i]: 5tticJLfjjJ?
B: =tv-o
*B:-7-1.illffl*Z,t+=.+7-JM.
;J, -+7-Jjjtfflt, -7-1.iE. }L::Jjffz u :i -frfaJo
 Ming Ji Yan Duan ( Problems on
Areas)
20 Problems

I. The zhi ji is 12 ( square ) bu [ 1 l , and the sum of the gou and the xian 8
bu [ 2 j. Find the gu less the gou.
Ans. I bu.
Process. Let the element tian be thejiao. From the statement we have 23
for the positive shi, 28 for the negative fang, 4 for the positive Lian, and 1
for the positive yu, a cubic expression l 3 l whose root is the required jiao.

[Notes]
[ I ] Let the width of the zhi ji be a, and the length b. That is, ab = I 2. ( G )

[ 2 ] Let the width and the length of the zhi ji be the gou and the gu of a right

triangle. Then, the diagonal of the zhi ji is the xian. That is, a + c = 8. ( G )
283
[ 3 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x + 4x - 28x + 23 = 0. ( C )

2. The zhiJi is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian. 8 bu. Find

the xian less the gou.

Ans. 2 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the xian less the gou. From the statement
we have 72 for the negative shi, 64 for the positive fang, 16 for the nega-
 [ff)

[]
**12a n8ffeo M: hj?

;!( = i kA:..- n 5t , YA -1117 ;fP- '7i **--it- ,1; j1J -1211n -t tt>;W
0

64 f n - ik. .1 i 4t. - 16 1tn -=- ik.>;W i 4t. , 1 1t n :iii ;k. .1fli , it

3.
[ ffli)( )
ff1ff.R--r=vo ,Rzr1:JtfllJ\.ivo fo]: JN:$3cJ11nJ?

=-t;\.1']1f.
B: -vo

*El: .ll.:x:rc-1'J!Jx*3t. 1iUfR*Z, qfJLjJiE,

f
284 =--f-1'J},Afflt, -j], .ll.J tfZ o[ I] foJ o

[ff)
(I ] HJJA(J<jftit:1-J: -x3 + 20x2 - 28x + 9 = O o ( )

[)
**12ffeo 4n8ffeo M: -nl?
: lffeo
;j(: kfi:..-nM. '7f**-o id9#n4t.>:W,
-2stt n-;k.>;W i a, 2011 n-=-ik.>:W ia, -111n :iii ,k.>;W i ft, it
iL '7i o #-% fo,r loJ o
 tive lian, and 1 for the positive yu, a cubic expression: 1 l whose root is the
required number.

[ Notes l
c
::::,
-;,,:
[ I ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 - J6x2 + 64x - 72 = O. ::::,

::::,
( c)

3. The zhi Ji is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu. Find

the xian less the gu.

Ans. 1 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the xian less the gu. From the statement

we have 9 for the positive shi, 28 for the negative fang, 20 for the positive

Lian, and 1 for the negative yu, a cubic expression [ 1 l whose root is the 285
required number.

[Notes]

[ I ] The expression in 1nodern form is the equation: -x3 + 20x2 - 28x + 9 = O.

( c)
 4.

4'-1'J"1t.fR--t-=tl3- fl:l *x JLfnJ?

[ fflt3t l
o fJ_ L'5tJ\ o fllj: [I]

*B:.fL*n-'1f!l,iO.fR*Z,ffl+=iE,+='1
1f, -+/,jJJAJJft, -j}i, i7J.ffZo [Z] -&f fiiJ o

[ jiff l
[ I ] t;fURDt SiAA:fnz: ( a + b) - Co ( n)
[ 2] ff1fitl'!{Jl:JiH-\:JBi\:: x3 + I 6x2 - 72x + 72 = 0 0 ( )

[ 4- l
4*12ffeo h8ffeo M: hj?

;,!( : i J(, - h 5 4x ' f). j17 ;fY- * >"R-it:- M- 0 1-1" f1J 7 2 1t59 '*4t '
.. . -721159 - ;J:.. i M: , 161t h -=- ik.. , M. , 1 1159 :iii. ;J:.. i .ft , -Jt

5.

4'-1tfft-i=
[ fflt>C l
0 Q L'q5fQJ\. 0 fiiJ: :$x:$x [I) JL1iiJ?
B: lmo

#El: n.::Rft-1Jst. :trnfQ>J<Z, 1fl-s1L+=1Jid. -s=.

-i-1\..'1M.1f, -1-12!1'1:fulffli, -'1.iE . .fl1fffz o : 2 l i}-j'iiJQ

[ jiff l
[ I ] t$xt1Pi 1:J&Z&: c - (b - a)" ( n)
4. The zhi Ji is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu.

Find the gu plus the gou minus the xian I l.

Ans. 2 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the gu and the gou less the

xian. From the statement we have 72 for the positive shi, 72 for the nega-

tivefang, 16 for the positive Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, a cubic ex-

pression C 2 l whose root is the required number.

(Notes]

[ I J That is, ( a + b ) - c. ( C )

[ 2] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 + l6x2 - 72x + 72 = 0.

(C)

287

5. The zhi ji is 12 ( square) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu.

Find the xian less the jiao r I l

Ans. 4 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the xian Jess the jiao. From the statement

we have 192 for the negative shi, 128 for the positivefang, 24 for the

negative Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, a cubic expression ci l whose root

is the required number.


gg
.3i [ 2) ff1Jj\'.:f'I9J},i!ft*;rt:1-J: x3 - 24x2 + 128x - l 92 = Oo ( )

; [ 4-if]
**12ffeo 8ffeo A: f?
:4:!V"o

;f;:.: -iikJL-ft. v)-.kt1**-Jl:-.mlf-o 1fftl-192ft'f,

12s -11 - ik. i -tt , -2411 .::.. ik. i a, 1117-J :iii ik. i a, 1f-

6.
[ Jm)t]
4-:;g-11m-+ =$ o ..R L"-tJ5tf11;\.tv- o ro1: -tJtttt ( 1 i JL1PJ?

*a= JtJL-11-tJtt. of.R:>J<z, i;1\.1-JiE. ;\.:}'.]J):fr, J\.:h

, -1'Ji, J'.[1fffZ o L2 l ..g.fll] o
288
[ff]
[ 1 ] Z.Jtx:t!PJ 'AJ119:Zlt a - (b - a )o ( )

[2] ff1J:ita<JFlf-\:%:rt:1-J: x3 - 8x 2 + 8x + 8 = Oo ( Mi )

[ 4-tf]
*12ffeo 8ffeo A: --j?
z. 4 *
a :YO

*-=kJL-. ***Jl:-o itl8-11-t. s

11 - ,x i a , -s 11= .::.. ik. . :r -tt , 111 :iii ;k. i a , :1r iL o *

 Ill c....
8
CD
[Notes] t::::i s:::

-
.....
[ I ] The xian less the jiao is the difference between the xian and the difference of
CD
the gou and the iu. That is, c - ( b - a ). ( G) T1
0
c:
[ 2] The expression in modern form is the equation: x 3 - 24x 2 + l28x - 192

= 0. ( C)

6. The zhi Ji is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu. Find

the gou less the jiao f I l.

Ans: 2 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the gou less the jiao. From the statement

we have 8 for the positive shi, 8 for the positive fang, 8 for the negative

Lian, and I for the positive yu, a cubic expression l 2 l whose root is the

required number. 289

[ Notes l
[ l J The gou less the jiao is the difference between the gou and the difference of

the gou and the gu. That is, a - ( b - a ). ( G)

[ 2 J The expression in modem form is the equation: x 3 - 8x1 + 8x + 8 = 0. ( C )

 7.
, mt J
]{fR-t-=ttc O ,R Zi"5flll/\.tv fo]: -t)JR*'1JL{PJ?
O

EJ: -t!Vo

*B=*--t)ft, ffl*Z,fflWE+=. -ff-'fJ

--Ji, llQjJ-, -jJTE, }L;:fffZ o [I] ,@-fo] O

[jiff J

( 4-]
*12ffeo *JJ8ffeo ; -}(Jj?
$-: 7ffeo
;i(: i,kl(,-;9.Jlt:fp, v:J.**-$.-Wf- 0 1.:f.f1]5531'f39't4t.,
-100 ff 39 - ;k_ .t9f - 4t, -4 ft Ji.=.. ;k .1Ji .it, 1 ft Ji :ift ;): .t9f :ft ft, -Jt

290

8.
I Jffix ]
J!IfJt-+ =tv O f!. L"5t*J\.tv O fo]: JR!%ilJL1iiJ?
EJ: JL!Vo

*B:*-H. Mffl*Z. mft. -W-'fJ1:r. =

i--'}g}A, --'fJM, }t;:f:Jf ( 1 J irfoJ o

Z.o

[jiff]
7. The zhi Ji is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu.

Find the sum of the gou and the gu.

Ans. 7 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the gou and the gu. From the

statement we have 553 for the positive shi, 100 for the negative fang, 4 for

the negative Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, a cubic expression: 1 l whose

root is the required number.

[Notes]

[ I ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x3 - 4x2 - I OOx + 553 = 0.

( c)

291

8. The zhi ji is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu.

Find the sum of the gu and the xian.

Ans, 9 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the gu and the xian. From the

statement we have 9 for the positive shi, 100 for the negative fang, 20 for

the positive lian, and 1 for the negative yu, a cubic expression t I l whose

root is the required number.

 [ 4-]
*m12ffe c RJ:J8ffe o A:MJ:Jj?
%:.. 9
C7 *
c

:k--. **-o j9J:Ja4,

- 100 fF J:J - ik_ 4 .% a , 20 fF J:J__::.. ;k_. a , - I 11= J:J lit. ;K._. *"- lt ,

9.
l
[ :x:
4-1If/q-+ =.$ o R L"#.IJ\.$ o raJ: #.! l JL{aJ? 1
;

*B:-#.1.0*.z,fflt+=. t+=
7f, -+/"-:J.1Y..iJffi, -::*JM, .:st1r7f Zo [ 21 -@-faJ o

[jiff]
292 [ I ] tl:!P5t: ,t)Jl9:z;fu: ( b - a) + Cc ( ,i)
[ 2] ,f "jj;a:ft,Jm11t%:1'1: -x1 + 16x2 - 72x + 72 = Oo ( )

[)
*%12ffeo RJ:J8ffeo A: j?
$-: 6ffeo
=-. **-o l72J:J-a4,
-72 J:J - ;k_4 * a , 161,t __::.. ;k_4 lt , - 111= J:J ;k_4 a , -Jr


:,,;;, CD
(Notes] I:::! s:;
0
[ I ]The expression in modern fonn is the equation: -x3 + 20.x2 - I OOx + 9 = 0. g,
=r
CD
( c)
c
c
::,
;,,;
::,
0

::,
(/)

9. The zhi Ji is 12 (square) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu.
Find the su1n of the xian and the jiao r I l.
Ans. 6 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the xian and the jiao. From the
statement we have 72 for the positive shi, 72 for the negative fang, 16 for
the positive Lian, and 1 for the negative yu, a cubic expression [ 2 J whose
root is the required number.

(Notes] 293
[ I ] The sum of the xian and the jiao is the sum of the xian and the difference

between the gou and the gu. That is, ( b - a) + c. ( G)

[ 2] The expression in n1odem form is the equation: -x3 + l6x2 - 72x + 72 = 0.

( c)
 Ill!
10

]t

[ Jffi 3t l
4-1tfJl-+-=tv o R 2''l:J5fOJ\.$ o l'iiJ: 5tf0*1l l l JLfaJ? I

B: --t=tvo
:t:s: :st:xJG-1J5tto*1l, afH>Jtz. qi-s1L+=Jg. -!-=
+ J\.1JM1I, =+rm:1-JM, -:1-Jr, }t1f:tfz.o 12 l #l'iiJo

[ jiff l
( t) %:ff.Jfr.Jept !::ifil!:f1Jzff.l: c + <a + h >o < !115 >
[2 ] Jf:1r.:?t)'l':JIJ.eft3:t1-J: -x1 + 24x2 - l 28x - 192 = Oc ( )

( 4- l
**12ffeo :h8ffec Fl: jgf?
$: 12 ffe o
.if(:i9:.xfi:..- :h ft, v:i. * *Jt.Mo 1.:f f1J -192 # :h ,tt.1-yl.
-128 ft :h - ik 1-Ji H-- 4t , 24 ft ;f.J .::.. ik H-- 4t , - 1 ft :h Jil. ;k_ H-- 4t ,
it iL ::t ,tf ,fr 1',;J
O O

--
294 11.
( Jffi)t ]
lif1{#{-s=+t.P- o ,Rz;:j!t1f*liiJIN. q!}rm-r=tv o[ I] fiiJ: 1:J&Jt
}J JLfrlJ?
B : 1:J J\.zv, 1i:1f/, $ o
:;:s: 1I*JG-:1-J'l:J. ofJ>Jtz., q=:n1\.s:1-JiE. lis--t-tJ;J
_t,ii, _j:JM, *:nffz., r 21 1fl o JZ.: iL*JG-j:}1i:1i.
ta*z..ffllilisim-trmjJiE.-rmsrm-tjJ.-jJ
M. -*1fHZo [)] ,g-fa.Jo
[ff)
(I] 1t1rtW ( a + b) - C o JltflP: ah= 120; (a+ b - c) ( b - a) = 420 ( )
[ 2] :1f:1f:r!:(r,JJJl!.ftm:r.t'-1: 3x' - 517.r + 20800 == Do ( )
[ 3] :1f :1f :r!:(r,J{t%:r!:'-1: x' - I 440x + 50544 == Oo ( )
 10. The zhi ji is 12 ( square ) bu, and the sum of the gou and the xian 8 bu.

Find the sum of the xian and the he r 1 l.

Ans. 12 bu. ;:r

,,
<D

0
Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the xian and the he. From the c
c
::,

i
statement we have 192 for the negative shi, 128 for the negative fang, 24

for the positive Lian, and 1 for the negative yu, a cubic expressionC 2 lwhose
root is the required number.

[Notes]
[ I ] The sum of the xian and the he is the sum of the xian and the sum of the gou and

the g u. That is, c + ( a + b ). ( G )

[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: -x3 + 24x2 - l 28x - 192=0.

( c)

' .,,..
11. The zhi ji is 120 ( square ) bu, and the product of the huang fang by the 295
jiao 42 bu. [ 1 l Find the gou and the huang fang.
Ans. Gou, 8 bu; huangfang, 6 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the gou. From the statement we have 20800

for the positive shi, 517 for the negative upper lian, and 3 for the positive

yu, an expression : 2 l of the fourth degree whose root is the required gou.
Again let the element tian be the huang fang. From the statement we have
50544 for the positive shi, 1440 for the negative upper lian, and 1 for the
positive yu, an expression l 3 J of the fourth degree whose root is the re-

quired huang fang.

 [ 4- l
***120ffeo -7iJRffeo Fl:J
** /.] i :),'?
$: J8ffe, 3lf7i6ffeo

;i(: if. Jz.j(,- /.J ] , i,;J. "*1:t;fJ; 7i * 1'f /.]'$a ,

$,-!Vf- 0 1-:f .flj 20800
-51711= IJ .::.. ;J: *"- a, 311= IJ iii. ;J: *"- M:. , -Jt 'iI!1 ;J: 7i , -ff .f1J ] o 5l:
if.Jz.j(,- Ji -;t"7i, i,;J.jo:;f,R7i*;.-j(_$,-JW. 0 f)f .flj 50544,tf Ji'$, -1440
,tf/.].::..-. l*/.J, -Jt7i, 7io
1;-- JiJr f.;J 0

12.
[ ffll}t]
l[_fJl-6 = +$ o ,R L*t*x, 1/, +tv o [I] fa]: jt1.f JL
1riJ?
EJ: /\tv"o

-- :1J ffo [ 2] 'frl'i:iJ o

296

[ jiff l
[ I ] lltlW: [ c - (b - a )] [( a + b) - c] = 60 0 ( )
[ 2 J ff1J:itlJ3:JIH-t%i\'.:JJ: x2 - 36 = Oo (I)

[ 4-]
+***lWffeo WffeoFl:-;t"
7i :hi:),'?
$: 6ffeo
;K: ilk.k,-/.J-,r::t, i,:J."*1:t**.,t$.-Mo 1Sf.f1J -3611=/.J.tt, 1
1'f/.].::..*"--, -Jt+7io #1;--fflMo
(Notes]

[ I ] That is, ab ==. 120; the huang Jang is ( a + b ) - c, ( a + b - c ) ( b - a )

== 42. ( G)

[ 2 ]The expression in modem form is the equation: 3.x:4 - 5 I 7x1 + 20800 = 0. ( C ) c

::,
.,,_.
:::,
0
[ 3 ]The expression in modem form is the equation: x4 - l440x2 + 50544 = 0. ( C)
:::,
(/)

12. The zhi ji is 120 ( square ) bu, and the product of the xian less the jiao by
the he less the xian 60 bu. ll Find the huang fang.
Ans, 6 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the huang fang. From the statement we
have 36 for the negative shi, and I for the positive yu, a quadratic expres
sion C 2 J whose root is the required huangfang.
297

( Notes l
( I ] That is, [ c - ( b - a ) ] [ ( a + b ) - c ] = 60. ( G )

[ 2 ] The xpression in modem form is the equation: x2 - 36 = 0. ( C )


=
l[!j
13.
!.f [ Jjf!)t l
*f1Iffl-s*i-;\zvo ,,R5*5l0. 1i-S/\.ZVo[I] foJ:

5t tt JL fi:iJ?
EI: --tJ\.iv o
*s=-tt.tQffl*z.m-s+zv**'1fnl
. =-s1L+-tv*%'11n1..t. -19.iE. -=-*:nffzo t 21 -@-fiiJo
( - l

[ 1 ] J1t RP : ab = 168, ( c - a ) [ ( a + b ) - c ) = 108 o ( )

c2J "$" r "7\*", rw o.6 tv o < ) ff :n:itl!91-t%:itJ;J =

x' - 291.6x2 - 10497.6 = O o ( )

( 4-if l
, q-. * ::tifJ {r-J drpfR 168 iP' 0 -i. f.J 5itt.Ei 5t;ftrtt.Z. T 108 iP' o Jo):

298
: f.J8ffe, 1t::t6iP'o

;!(; i9::kJL-J)f.J1i:tt, Jl),;i,nf.R:;t**$,.Nf 0 1,-.f1J-10497 l 1f;l}

'$', -291
1
i 1,t;l}..:::..;J:. . I 1th Jjl;J:. . -Jta;J:.:;t,

1t.1,-J1j f.J 5ttt o 11" Ji}f 1.iJ o

14.
[ Jjf!)t l

4-*f1Iffl-s 1'-zv o R 5t*JN. 1t--+ 1\.tt-} 1 JfoJ: JLfiiJ?

B: tj;o
13. The zhi ji is 168 ( square ) bu, and the product of the xian less the gou by
the he less the xian 108 bu.r I l Find the xian less the gou.
Ans, 18 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the xian less the gou. From the statement
we have 10497 bu 6fen for the negative shi, 291 bu 6fen for the negative
upper Lian, and 1 for the positive yu, an expression l 2 J of the fourth degree
whose root is the required number.

[Notes]
[ 1 ] That is, ab = 168, ( c - a ) [ ( a + b ) - c ] = l 08. ( G )

[ 2 ] 6 fen following bu is 0.6 bu. ( G )

The expression in modern form is the equation: x - 29 I .6.x 2 - I 0497 .6 = 0.

( c)

299

14. The zhi ji is 108 ( square ) bu, and the product of the xian less the gou by
the gu less the gou 18 bu. [ 1 l Find the gou.
Ans, 9 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the gou. From the statement we have
3779136 for the negative shi, 69984 for the positive upper lian, 207 for the
 M. 7'n1Lf1Ls;\.-tll!l1'JJA_tfflt, =s-tJ-J fflt, -jJf.
1i*1JffZo 121 i."l'aJo

[ jiff l
[l].llt&P: ab= 168, (c-a)(b-a) = 18 o <n)
[2] =Jf:1fB<JJ:lf\J;kJ: -x6 - 207.c + 69984x2 - 3799136 = 0 0 ( )

[A,)
*
4- :;t if; {r-J drJ ;fR l 08 iv o / -i." iJ 5't4l.!:j iJ Jli.t;fR -f 18 iv o Iii]: iJ
:h J Y?
. 9 *-
*-= ilk.JG-:h iJ , v:J.-:!i17;fR::t* .,t.Jt. M
c> :.Y .....
1f .itl -379913611= :h '$"a ,
o
69984 11=:h =- ;J: >9! ff.. a, -207 11= :h 'i!EI ;J: .ij ff.. A , -1 11= :h :&. rk. >9! ff..
a, fr**::t. 1.Jc c
15.

e
[ ffll xl
1i:fft-s/\-tJ\.ffeo .R2'"JNtit*J5t. qf--tJ\.vo 1 1: l'aJ: 5t
,
.
#1 #1 JL fiiJ?
B: 1i-t7\o
300 *a=-jJ#Jffl.iamz.m T-s_-t7\7'J. -
7'JJA, +1JffZ o [ 2] i."faJ o

[ jiff l
[ I ] J!tf!P: ( c - b ) ( c - a ) = l 8 0 ( ll5 )
[ 2 ] ff ::tfj.\fl<Jm1{'t%j.\:;.lg: x2 - 3136 = 0 0 ( )

[A, l
*
4-- ::tifJ {r-J tf7 ;fR 168 iv O .;_- Jli 5't Ej iJ 5't z;fR ;f-t 18 iv o 1oJ : 5't
;fi:, ;fc :h i ? ;-
: 56 iv
*-= iik.JL-:h5't;fc;tc, v:i.;f;;:t**-Jt.Mo {.lf.f1J-313611=:h'tA>9!,
O

I#:hA*la, fr::t. ;fc;fco Mo

 negative third Lian, and l for the negative yu, ah expression ( 2 J of the sixth
0
degree whose root is the required number.
a
g.

....
[Notes] c
::::,

::::,
[I] Thatis,ab = 168, (c - a) (b - a)= 18. (G)
::::,
(/)

[ 2] The expression in modern form is the equation: -x6 - 207x4 + 69984x2 -

3799136 = o. ( C)

15. The zhi ji is 168 ( square ) bu, and the product of the xian less the gu by

the xian less the gou 18 bu. C'l Find the sum of the xian and the he.

Ans. 56 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the sum of the xian and the he. From the
301
statement we have 3136 for the negative shi, and l for the positive yu, a

quadratic expression l 2 1 whose root is the required number.

[Notes]

[ I ] Thalis, ( c - b ) ( c - a ) = 18. (G)

[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x2 - 3136 = 0. ( C)

 16.
[ mf)t l
-4'-fl1l1Jt-B J\.tv o .R 2\"5*3t*,tJst. 1-t-t-t-=tv o [, i 1oJ: sl!ltc
JL{ffJ?

*s= J'.l:xJ"G-j;st$x. afR>J<z. 1tn-=f-s;\.+1ZYj;. -

sl!Qi-lmj;M. lfl-1f:1fZ o rii irl'iiJ o

[ jiff l
[ l J lltf!: [ c - (b - a )] ( c - a) = 72 0 ( n)
[2] 7f 1IAl1:imfti\:1'J: I 44x2 - 5184 = Oo ( )

[ 4- l
4'-1f * ::;t,Jfj tf.J iii;f.R 108 ffe o .R -r.: ,t ! tJ 1t.fiz;f9- -t 12 ffe o 1iiJ: ;

{P .ti 5'J 1, :Y ?

$.: 6-.:Vo
302
;fZ.: if *-.Jt- 5'J ,t:fp.fi, v). ;fR ::;t A:. t Jt-Aq. o 11" ftl - 5184 ff/;) 'f ft >9l ,
J/;J;i:giJft,ff+:::t,ffftl:fp:fpo #o

17.
[ Jl{)t l
fl1tfR-s=+tvo Q 75.JNl!l.*5t*-3t. 1t=s1\.+J\.tvo f l fA.l:
1i:1J JLM?

*B::x7G-j;*fi1f,ta>J<z,3*sj;. imsj;
ii...tlt!, -J;JM, -1fffz, r 21 1*1t1fiffio 1-!Zo itfll]o
 16. The zhi ji is 108 ( square ) bu, and the product of the xian less the jiao by

the xian less the gou 72 bu. f 1 1 Find the he less the xian.

Ans. 6 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the he less the xian. From the statement we

have 5184 for the negative shi, and 144 for the positive yu, a quadratic

expression l 2 J whose root is the required number.

[ Notes J

[ I ] That is, [ c - ( b - a ) ] ( c - a ) = 72. ( G )

[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: 144x2 - 5184 = 0. ( C )

303

17. The zhiji is 120 (square) bu, and the product of the sum of the xian and

the gu by the xian less the gou 288 bu. lIl Find the huang fang.
Ans. 6 bu.
Process. Let the element tian be the half of the huang fang. From the state
ment we have 3600 for the positive shi, 409 for the negative upper Lian,
and 1 for the positive yu, an expression l 2 l of fourth degree whose root is
the half of the huang fang. The root multiplied by 2 gives the huang fang.

'
 [ l ] lltf!n: ( c + b) ( c - a ) = 288 0 ( )

ql [ 2] ff1r.i.ta9:f-\:%it'1: x4 - 409x 2 + 3600 = 0 0 ( f*)

[ 4-if l
4--* * -Ji-JfJ lr-J uipf;t 120 ffe o ){ -i. M 5t;fl=' tJ 5t .:t..;m-- -t 288 ffe o 1oJ :
-ff-}j :h j }/?
%:_.
O *
6 :,YO
: i *-Jt.- !J 1f-}j lr-J , v:J. itl'.1 ;fP--}j * ->tJt Wf- 1f J1j 3 600 ff:;/.] '#" 4t
0

, -409 ff: :h.=. ;k_ * , 1 ff: :h :&_ ik. i 4t , ff ;k_ 7i , 1} jlj 1f

7ilr-J1o.Jd-1f7io#Mo

18.
[ mi)t l
4-1i:f.H-s=+tvo RL"5fll*JN5$;ic. 1l1i+tp- or 11 fiiJ: 11:JfEz.
304 J&;fll }1 fiiJ?

B: ,t}f/,$, llitlll=+=tl3-o
*a= flx.JT.-7-J"Ji:n. ufJ>J<z. 1i-1in-t.:P/,sfJ.iE, --=fA
El +/,7-JJ:.Mi, -7-J.iE. -*}fffz, f2 l 11f o }(.: fr
x.Jt-1'JJN:fll, o**z, 1t--=f ;\.sim+7'JiE, ;\. +1'JMn,
ff 5t IJFSJZ JJ I* z o r 31 1t l'iiJ o

[ I ] Jltf!P: ( c + a) ( c - b) = 50 0 ( !115 )

[ 2] ff1r:a'.:A9t}l!Jt%:it'1: x4 - 1636x2 + 57600 = 00 ( f*)

[ 3] H1fitA9JJlHt:it'1: -80x + 1840 = Oo ( )
 8
ClJ c...
"" <I>
[Notes] :s:::
-,
-,
[ 1 ] That is, ( c + b ) ( c - a ) = 288. ( G )
a
<I>
[ 2 ] The expression in modem form is the equation: x4 - 409x2 + 3600 = 0. ( c) -n
0

18. The zhi ji 120 ( square ) bu, and the product of the sum of the xian and

the gou by the xian less the gu 50 bu.[ 1 l Find the huang fang and the sum of

the gou and the gu.

305
Ans. Huang fang, 6 bu;

sum of the gou and the gu, 23 bu.

Process. Let the elernent tian be the huang fang. From the statement we

have 57600 for the positive shi, 1636 for the negative upper Lian, and 1 for

the positive yu, an expression l 2 l of fourth degree whose root is the huang

fang. Again let the element tian be the sum of the gou and the gu. From the

statement we have 1840 for the positive shi, and 80 for the negative fang, a

linear expression l 3 J whose root is the sum.


ll9
Jt
.3i [ 4-if]
!I +**{r-JIWffeo tJ:fp4r50ffeo M:.
*atJ :fp71 i '.Jt?
: -1t"::t 6 -ffe' tJ }If :fp 23 0

;J(. : if. _k 7L - 71 :;t Y;A ";111 :;t * *-Jt:. Arf O 1%f f1j 5 7600 1-p 7J 't 4i J:fft ,
-163611: 71-=- ,k. JJt a, 111= 71 Jfk. i;j ,k. Sy! 4t, -Jt 1!!i ;k_-:}j- , 1-f 1J -:Ji"
*
0

5l : -i.t .k k.- 71 tJ Jlf :fti , i,:,t o ;t .,_jl:. M- o 1l f1J 184011: 71 't4t

:tyi , -80 1t .;lJ - ,k. :tyi t Jt , 1r ;t -t ;t o 1f P,'r fa] :,

19.
[ fflt>C ]
4-fi"Eif/-s ;\.tv- o R 1J5fn*JN:tfl:I. t:Rsll9+ ;\.tv o i 1 1 1'ii"J: .
JJ & 5t-it JL{iiJ?
B: n /,$, t-+litv o
*a: fl.-;r:,--JJ-"11.-Jr, :tlllffl>Jtz, rt=:n=f _ s=+
;\.J:JM,
:*alm+J\.'1.bl. 3jl-jf3fz. ( 2) 1iftJr/,tv o )(.: fl.-;r:,-1-J
t. :tu:1>j(z, 1t--f-;\.+1-J:iE. --t+=1'1n.
__t. i---?!rm-,
1f o ( 3) ..g-fil] o

306 [jiff]
. [ 1 J Jl:t.l!P: ( c + a ) ( c + b) == 648 0 < )
[ 2] :Jfjj"j.\'.;09lJ{l.1-t%:i\:19: 648x2 - 23328. == O o ( )
[ 3] ;Jfjj"j.\'.;09lJ{l.ft*A19: -72x + 1080 = Oo (I*)

[ 4-]
4'-*::ttr-J 108 ffe O tJ 1t;fp .nt 1t;f17r 648 ffe o 1o1 =
-,r -:}j- a Jt 71 i '.Jt '?
$: "1t;;t6ffe, it15"!Vo

jJ.
:}t-71* ;t**-Arfo-233281t71ft,
64811: ;k_. 4t' -Jt-t *' ,1-f Jtl-;t::t 6-!V 5l: -j,f..it- ;h !t'
*
O

y:J, *7 ::t *-Jt. 1t J1J 1 oso11: 71

0 '*'a ,
-7211: .;lJ - ik. -t .a.
ftfj:71,-3'.gijftfj:71 ,.,o#fflMo
[Notes]
[ 1 ] That is, ( c + a ) ( c - b ) = 50. ( G )

[ 2 ]The expression in modern form is the equation: x4 - 1636x2 + 57600 = 0. ( C)

[ 3] The expression in modem fonn is the equation: -80x + 1840 = 0. ( C)

19. The zhi ji is 108 ( square ) hu, and the product of the sum of the xian and

the gou by the sum of the xian and the gu 648 bu. [ 1 1Find the huang fang and

the xian.

Ans. Huang fang, 6 bu;

xian, 15 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the huang Jang. From the statement we

have 23328 for the negative shi, and 648 for the positive yu, a quadratic

expression l 2 l whose root, 6 bu, .is the huang fang. Again let the element
307
tian be the xian. From the statement we have I 080 for the positive shi, and

72 for the negative fang, a linear expression l 3 l whose root is the xian.

[Notes]
[ I ] That is, ( c + a ) ( c + b ) = 648. ( G )

[ 2 ] The expression in modem fonn is the equation: 648x1 - 23328 = 0. ( C)

[ 3] The expression in modern form is the equation: -72x + 1080 = 0. ( C)

 20.
[ Jffi:x: 1
:f=f 1Iffl-s ;\. o ..R -zr li*1l, litxtl3*, 1; _ -=r-t s ;\.+ c 1 1 0 riiJ =
5tfLfiiJ?
-+liffeo
B:
*B=*-.iUffl*Z.ffl-tTftS-t+rrnfl-=fsA+
liJJ*s=+li7'1.M, -t+:nfl =-=r=s 1\.-t-rrnn=-=r*s7'JhA...t.
. =-=r:n:+=JJrrn-=rs+n7'1-.-n=-=rs=+7'1
hA, 1i*1f:1fZ, r 1 1;sto -&tfnlo 2

[ iff]
[ 1 J llt.f!P :
l(a +b) + (c+a) + (c +b) + [c+ (a+b)] + [c+ (b-a)]I x

I (b - a) + ( c - a ) + ( c - b) + [ c - (b - a)] + [ ( a + b) - c ] I = 3780 0

( )

308 [2J :rf1fA1JJJi!ft%j;\'.:::*J:

12636.t' - 20524995.t' + 7522842600x2 - 797493650625 = Oo ( )

[ 4-]
-4'- **J dipfP- 108 o 5-; -i.- li.;fl1 li.z;f;;-tf" r 3780 -ffe o 1"1: 5t Ji

-*-= ii:kfi:..- n ft, ;J.-jto;fP-**Jt.M-o 1,-J1j -797493650625 ff:n

4i'9i, 7522842600ff:JJ..::..;J:>9i 4i, -205249951tJJ;k_J: .
12636 1t ;I:; :iit. *- '9i ,% it ' -Jt-;-._ ik. ' 1t. .f.J .f1J ft %ff;-- fo}j-1"1
O 0
20. The zhi ji is 108 ( square ) bu, and the product of the five he by the five

jiao 3780 bu. ; 1 l Find the xian.

Ans. 15 bu.

Process. Let the element tian be the xian. From the statement we have
c
::,
797493650625 for the negative shi, 7522842600 for the positive upper Lian, ;,,:;
::,
0

::,
20524995 for the negative third Lian, and 12636 for the positive yu, an (J)

expressiqn ! 2 J of sixth degree whose root is the required number.

n
-mc
,. ::D
en
en ,_
(Notes] n-c
enm
::D

[ I ] That is, I ( a + b ) + ( c + a ) + ( c + b ) + [ c + ( a + b ) ] + [ c + n
:I:
:z
...
(b-a)]I x l(b-a) + (c-t1) + (c-b) + [c- (b-a)] + [(a+b) -

cJ I = 3780. ( G )
[ 2] The expression in modern form is the equation: l 2636x6 - 20524995x4 +

7522842600.r - 797493650625 = 0. ( C )

309