Charlotte Pollet
5 articles published in Tangente
History and CultureN°96Dec 02, 2025How division was done in China
Once a polynomial equation is given, its roots can be found simply by applying a division algorithm. This algorithm is based on the process of division. Here are its main principles.
Read →
Reading noteN°96Dec 02, 2025The Chinese remainder theorem
An early method for what is known as the "Chinese remainder theorem" appears in the Classique mathématique de Maître Sun (Mathematical Classic of Master Sun), but its generalization had to await Qin Jiushao and his Neuf chapitres du traité des nombres (Nine Chapters of the Treatise on Numbers).
Read →
History and CultureN°96Dec 01, 2025Establishing polynomial equations
Several methods exist for arriving at a polynomial equation to solve a given problem. The celestial source is the best known but not the only one. This is also an opportunity to see the different strategies of mathematicians in Song-dynasty China.
Read →
History and CultureN°96Dec 01, 2025The mathematical quartet of the Song dynasties
The period covered by the two Song dynasties and the early Yuan dynasty was particularly conducive to mathematics. Indeed, four great names emerged during this time: Li Ye, Zhu Shijie, Qin Jiushao, and Yang Hui. Their works share common influences but sometimes very different approaches.
Read →
History and CultureN°96Dec 01, 2025Sources and variety of so-called Chinese mathematics
Surprisingly few ancient mathematical works survive from China. This can partly be seen as the result of political choices made by successive dynasties. It helps us understand that the history of mathematics is neither linear nor made up of homogeneous cultural blocks.
Read →