Wang Xiaotong

Wang Xiaotong

(flourished early 7th century) Chinese mathematician who made important advances in the solution of problems involving cubic equations. In 626 he took part in the revision of the Wuying calendar (618), which had erroneously predicted eclipses in 620. About 630 he finished his Jigu suanjing (“Continuation of Ancient Mathematics”). All 20 problems in this book, except for the first one dealing with astronomy, involve cubic or biquadratic equations. Thirteen of the problems involve solving for the volume or the dimensions of a polyhedron. In solving some of these problems, Wang first used the formula for the volume of a dike of varying cross section. Other problems involve right-angled triangles.