The Educational Value Of The Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art

In the seventies and eighties of 20 th century, the research on ancient chinese mathematics reached a climax. A large number of books and articles were published. Among them, a lot were about the Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art and Liu Hui. But most of the research on the Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art focused on its rectification, underlying theoretical system, history and social connection, rarely on its educational value. The Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art is a representative work for Chinese mathematical thought and methods, so its educational value is obvious. In recent years, the content of the Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art often occurs in many elementary and middle school mathematics textbooks, but only as reading materials, very limited in its application in teaching . So intensive research on the Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art would help in its application in teaching and consequently not only improve the students'understanding of mathematical knowledge, but also have a value as our country's cultural heritage and as inspiration of national spirit.In this article, firstly, the research on the Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art and thoughts of Liu Hui are summarized. Secondly, several concepts ,such as educational value , mathematical thought and methods, humanistic education are defined. Thirdly, four educational aspects of the book are discussed. Finally, some teaching principles and methods, and three examples of applying the educational value of the book in teaching are given. At the same time, the author thinks that, in order to realize the educational value, it should follows some principles in teaching, such as: paying attention to scientific and interesting content, paying attention to mathematical thought and methods and humanistic education , simplifying contents, etc. It can be combined in the classroom teaching, such as introducing achievement,etc. or in extra-curricular activities, such as giving lectures, material propaganda, etc.Through the research, the author thinks , there are four aspects about the educational value of the Nine Chapters on Mathematical Arts : the value as mathematical problems, the educational value of its mathematical thought, its humanistic educational value and its value of enlightenment for mathematics education.I am hoping that this work will help the reader to appreciate the educational value of the Nine Chapters On Mathematical Art and its application in teaching and provide a valuable resource for myself and other mathematics teachers.