Born during in early Qing dynasty China, Wang Zhenyi (1768-1797)was a largely self-taught mathematician. Her best known works include a five-volume series entitled “The Simple Principles of Calculation.”
Wang wrote in an easy-to-grasp language in order to simplify the study of multiplication, division and trigonometry for those who, like her, did not have access to a formal education.
The prolific life of Wang Zhenyi, autodidact, astronomer, and poet