The early men in mathematics seemed to lay the groundwork beautifully for the men and women who would later follow in their footsteps. The same holds true in astronomy. The men who were great astronomers allowed others to build upon their findings. One such man was Tsu Ch’Ung Chi.
Tsu Ch’Ung Chi was born in China. He is believed to have been born in 430 AD. Chi was a mathematician but he was also an astronomer. His brilliant mind created various formulas that have been used throughout history and he created some that were either lost or ignored.
Tsu Ch’Ung Chi made a calendar in 463 and he also was discovered a new way to keep time accurately using the shadow of the sun to help him measure the time of day. His work as an astronomer was remarkable. His calendar was never put into effect as an active calendar used among various people.
As a mathematician, Chi made a significant and profound impact on the placement of decimals. Chi, along with his father, also discovered a formula for a sphere’s volume. The details of this discovery were later lost so very little is known or understood about how Chi and his father found the formula.
The main mathematical achievement that Chi will be remembered for in the future is the discovery of "pi to six decimal places". However, the ability to use the solar system, particular the sun’s shadow and wager time is by far one of the more outstanding achievements found in his legacy.
Very little is known about the personal life of Tsu Ch’Ung Chi but it is assumed that he lived most of his life, if not his life entirely, in China. He will be remembered for his contributions in mathematics and astronomy.
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