Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art

The "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art" is an ancient Chinese text from around 100 BCE that systematically covers practical math topics like fractions, proportions, geometry, and solving equations. It served as a guiding manual for merchants, farmers, and engineers, emphasizing problem-solving methods used in everyday activities such as agriculture, construction, and trade. The book introduces techniques like method of substitution and elimination, demonstrating early understanding of algebraic concepts. Its clarity and practicality made it a foundational work in the history of mathematics, influencing later developments in both China and the wider mathematical world.