Arithmetic is the general term for all mathematics in ancient China. As for the names of many branches of mathematics, such as geometry and algebra, they came into being very late.

Now the Latin word "arithmetic" comes from the Greek word "number and number (phonology, sh? The technology of number three has changed. The ancient meaning of the word "suan" in China also means "number", which means bamboo pieces used for calculation. In ancient China, all complicated numerical calculations used calculation. So "arithmetic" includes all the mathematical knowledge and calculation skills at that time. The oldest nine chapters of arithmetic, Xu Shang's lost arithmetic and Du Zhong's arithmetic are all about solving various practical mathematical problems.