• Korean Journal of Mathematics
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.137-159
• /
• 2012

In this paper, we deal with recent researches on Ying N$\ddot{u}$ and Ying Buzu(盈不足) which were addressed in the book Jiu Zhang Suan Shu(九章算術, The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art). Ying N$\ddot{u}$(Ying Buzu) is a concept on profit and loss problems. Ying Buzu Shu(盈不足術, the method of excess and deficit) represents an algorithm which has been used for solving many mathematical problems. It is known as a rule of double false position in the West. We show the importance of Ying Buzu Shu via an analysis of some problems in 'Ying Buzu' chapter. In 1202, Fibonacci(c.1170-c.1250) used Ying Buzu Shu in his book. This shows some of Asian mathematics were introduced to the West even before the year 1200. We present the origin of Ying Buzu Shu, and its relationship with Cramer's Rule. We have discovered how Asia's Ying Buzu Shu spread to Europe via Arab countries. In addition, we analyze some characters of Ying N$\ddot{u}$(Ying Buzu) in the book Suan Xue Bao Jian(算學寶鑑).

• Communications of Mathematical Education
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.351-362
• /
• 2012

Until the 1950s, linear algebra was considered only as one of abstract and advanced mathematics subject among in graduate mathematics courses, mainly dealing with module in algebra. Since the 1960s, it has been a main subject in undergraduate mathematics education because matrices has been used all over. In Korea, it was considered as a course only for mathematics major students until 1980s. However, now it is a subject for all undergraduate students including natural science, engineering, social science since 1990s. In this paper, we investigate the early history of linear algebra and its development from a historical perspective and mathematicians who made contributions. Secondly, we explain why linear algebra became so popular in college mathematics education in the late 20th century. Contributions of Chinese and H. Grassmann will be extensively examined with many newly discovered facts.