Liu Hui

Liu Hui (c. 225–295), a mathematician of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period and a native of Zouping, Shandong, is regarded as one of the founders of classical Chinese mathematical theory. In 263 he wrote a commentary on The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art and used the method of inscribed polygons to obtain the value of pi (π ≈ 3.1416); he also wrote The Sea Island Mathematical Manual. It should be noted that four works under the name Liu Hui are held in the collection. Apart from The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, a mathematical classic, the other three deal with school-based implementation of the national curriculum, internet brand operation, and new-style micro-business, spanning popular science, examinations and management. Public information on how these works relate to the ancient mathematician is limited and difficult to confirm, so readers should judge for themselves in light of each book's content.