Yanghwisanbeop

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1755

Category

Books & Records

Era

1443년(세종15)경

Designated year

2012

Location

서초구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 서초구

Coordinates

37.483589, 127.032735

Yanghwi sanbeop (Arithmetic Book Compiled by Yang Hui) or Yanghui suanfa in Chinese, is a mathematics work written by Yang Hui (ca. 1238–1298), a Chinese mathematician of the Song Dynasty. It consists of seven volumes focused on three topics. The book deals with the rules of basic multiplication, multiplication and division calculations, the magic square, and land measurement. According to Gyeongguk Daejeon (The National Code), it was one of the three basic mathematics texts, the other two being Sangmyeongsan (Detailed and Explicit Mathematics) and Gyemongsan (Introductory Mathematics), that were recommended for careful study by those preparing for state examinations. Each of the books contains a passage in their introduction stating that the original Chinese edition was published in 1378 by the publishing company Qinde Shutang. As one of the required study texts for prospective mathematicians during the Joseon Period, the book is now regarded as an important material for the study of mathematics and bibliography of Joseon. It is not just the oldest xylographic edition discovered in Korea to date but also the oldest of all editions of this book known today.

Location