The number in the six arts refers to rational number and qi number, that is, the restrained movement law of yin and yang and five elements. Guangya: "Number, skill also." That is, technology, methods and skills. Numerology, also known as arithmetic, is a technique of calculation and mathematics.

Number, namely mathematical number, has been extended to "mathematical chemistry" in modern times. The development of ancient mathematics in China has a long history, and the formation of ancient mathematics system in China is marked by the appearance of nine chapters of arithmetic in Han Dynasty. Ancient mathematicians attributed the origin of mathematics to Zhouyi and Confused Luo.

Six arts refer to six skills: etiquette, music, archery, bending, calligraphy and mathematics. The aristocratic education system of the Zhou Dynasty in China began in the Zhou Dynasty in BC 1046. The six basic skills that students are required to master are six arts. From "Bao's Family in Zhou Li": "Cultivating the country by Tao is to teach six arts: one is five rituals, the other is six music, the third is five shots, the fourth is five emperors' rituals, the fifth is six books, and the sixth is nine numbers."